THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  ILLINOIS 

LIBRARY 

973.7374- 
H59r 


HUMS  HISTORICAL  SURVEY 


/&WUVW 


I 


THE  UttAII 
Of  THE 


WlYtMITY  W  HAMMHS 


MAJ 


CENi. SAMUEL  R.CURTiS. 


REBEL  INVASION 


OF 


MISSOURI  AND  KANSAS, 


AND    THE 


OAMPAIG-N 


THE  AEMY  OF  THE  BOEDER, 


AGAINST  GENERAL  STERLING  PRICE, 


IN  OCTOBER  AND  NOVEMBER,  1864. 


CHICAGO: 

CHURCH   &   GOODMAN,    53  LASALLB   STREET, 
LEAVENWORTH,  KANSAS: 

T.   W.  MARSHALL, 
1865. 


HARVARD  COLLEGE  LIBRARY 
IUN     0  19!  > 

CHARLES  ELLIOTT  PERKINS 
MEMORIAL  COLLECTION 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1865, 

BY  CHURCH,  GOODMAN  &  DONNELLEY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States, 

For  the  Northern  District  of  Illinois. 


PRIKTED  BY 

CHURCH,  GOODMAN  &  DONNELLEY, 

LAS  ALLS  ST.,  CHICAGO. 


CHICAGO  TYPE  FOUNDRY: 

J.  CONAHAN, 

STEREOTYPES. 


COX  *  DONOHUE, 

BOOKBINDERS. 


375, 73  71 


^HXA^v4*4 


PREFACE. 


THE  work,  of  which  these  words  are  introductory,  is  designed  to  be  a  full 
and  impartial  narrative  of  the  stirring  events  which  occurred  in  the  cam- 
paign whose  progress  and  results  it  tells.    The  author  has  not  aimed  at 
tieism,  except  those  obvious  remarks  which  naturally  gr0w  out  of  the 
body  of  works  of  this  character.     It  has  been  his  desire  to  do  justice  where 
it  was  due;  not  to  give  fulsome  panegyric.    Having  participated  in  the 
operations  recorded,    with   every   opportunity   of  knowing   all  necessary 
.etails,  as  well  as  the  reasons  which  actuated  the  policy  and  movements  « 
those  in  command,  the  author  hopes  he  has  succeeded  in  his  main  purpose- 
that  of  telling  plainly  the  history  of  an  important  campaign,  and  thereby 
adding  a  valuable  contribution  to  the  great  work  which  shall  one  day  tell 
the  story  of  the  Great  Rebellion. 

His  secondary  object-that  of  recording  the  services  and  sacrifices  of  our 
volunteers,  and  especially  of  the  Militia  of  Kansas-he  is  hopeful  of  having 
properly  accomplished. 


541557 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 
Introductory 3 

CHAPTER  II. 
General  Price  crosses  the  Arkansas  —  Organization  of  the  Rebel  Army.  11 

CHAPTER  ILL 
Invasion  ofMissouri  —  Battle  ofPilotKnob 15 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Movements  in  the  Department  of  Kansas  —  Proclamation  of  Martial  Law  23 

CHAPTER  V. 
Grand  uprising  of  the  People  of  Kansas 41 

CHAPTER  YL 
Affairs  in  the  City  and  at  Fort  Leavenworth 49 

CHAPTER  VLL 
Generals  Curtis  and  Blunt  take  the  field  —  Organization  of  Troops 56 

CHAPTER  Till. 

March  to  Lexington  —  Preparations  at  the  Big  Blue  —  Movements  of 
Militia "13 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Battle  of  Lexington 84 

CHAPTER  X. 
Battle  of  the  Little  Blue 92 

CHAPTER  XI. 
March  of  Rosecrans1  Cavalry  from  Jefferson  City  to  Independence 106 

CHAPTER  XH. 
Battles  on  the  Big  Blue  and  State  Line 122 

CHAPTER  Xm. 
Battle  ofWestport 149 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
General  Pleasanton's  Operations  on  the  twenty- third 168 

CHAPTER  XV. 
Pursuit  of  Price  down  the  State  Line .  183 


11.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
Attack  on  the  Mound  —  Battles  of  Marias  des  Cygnes  and  Mine  Creek. .  191 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Engagements  at  the  Little  Osage  and  Chariot  —  March  of  Moonlight  — 
Engagements  at  Mound  City  and  Fort  Lincoln  —  Rebel  Camp  on 
Dry  wood  Creek  —  Ours  at  Fort  Scott  and  Marmaton 220 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Port  Scott  during  the  Invasion  and  the  Battles  of  the  25th  —  Martial  law 

abolished,  and  Militia  disbanded  —  Proclamations  of  the  Governor.  240 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Pursuit  from  Fort  Scott  —  Battle  of  Newtonia  —  General  Rosecrans' 

Orders  —  Consequent  abandonment  of  the  Pursuit 259 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Resumption  of  Pursuit — Route  of  the  Rebels  —  The  Pea  Ridge  Battle- 
Field  —  Attack  on  Fayetteville  —  Gallant  defense 279 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

From  Fayetteville  to  the  Arkansas  River  —  Termination  of  the  Pursuit 
—  Storm  on  the  Arkansas  —  General  Orders 289 

CHAPTER  XXTT. 
The  Homeward  March  —  Incidents  —  Results  of  Campaign 304 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
General  Orders  and  Congratulations 313 

APPENDIX. 

In  Memoriam 322 

Horatio  Knowles 323 

Daniel  M.  Brown  —  Dr.  L.  M.  Shadwick  —  Joseph  Stout  —  "Warren 

Hawkins — Albert  McGonigle 324 

Win.  A.  Delong— Emmet  Goss— Orloff  Norton 325 

Charles  V.  Hyde 326 

Rev.  Richard  Vernon 327 

John  Miller— Elder  Williams— G.  L.  Gove 328 

James  Nelson  Smith 330 

H.  C.  Covil/. 332 

Harvey  G.  Young — Daniel  Handley — Nicholas  Brown — George  Grinold 

— McClure  Martin— C.  H.  Budd 333 

Leu  Selkin— Merrick  D.  Race 334 

James  Mayrers — Aaron  Cook  335 

David  Fults 336 

Major-GeneralS.  R.  Curtis 339 

Hon.  James  H.  Lane 342 

Brigadier-General  John  McNeil 345 

Battle  of  the  Little  Osage 348 


ABMY  OF  THE  BORDER. 


CHAPTER   I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

WHILE  east  of  the  Mississippi  River  success  crowned 
our  arms  during  the  entire  current  of  the  eventful 
year  1864,  west  thereof  we  were  generally  defeated : 
two  splendidly  equipped  armies  almost  routed,  each 
only  saving  themselves  by  great  loss  of  material,  as 
well  as  of  men.  At  the  same  time,  in  a  portion,  at 
least,  of  the  Trans-Mississippi  region,  over  which  our 
rule  had  most  successfully  re-established,  by  reverses 
to  our  arms  the  rebels  succeeded,  if  not  in  reinstating 
themselves,  at  least  in  rendering  our  control  preca- 
rious, and  confining  the  Federal  garrisons  within  the 
limits  of  their  posts. 

When  1864  opened  upon  the  western  scene  of  war, 
it  looked  on  much  of  the  States  of  Arkansas  and 
Louisiana  under  control  of  our  arms;  on  the  rebel 


4  AEMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

Indians  and  their  allies  in  the  territory  west  of 
Arkansas,  broken  and  discomfited ;  upon  attempts 
to  re-organize  loyal  state  governments  in  the  afore- 
named states,  and  upon  an  apparently  discouraged 
and  defeated  foe. 

Major-General  Banks  commanded  the  Department 
of  the  Gulf,  which  included  Louisiana  and  Texas. 
Major-General  Fred'k  Steele  commanded  the  Depart- 
ment of  Arkansas  (which  was  included  in  the 
Division  of  the  Mississippi,  under  General  W.  T. 
Sherman).  Major-General  Rosecrans  that  of  Mis- 
souri ;  and  Major-General  S.  R.  Curtis  that  of 
Kansas.  The  latter  comprised  the  State  of  Kansas, 
the  Indian  Territory  and  the  Territories  of  Nebraska 
and  Colorado.  At  this  time  General  Banks  was 
earnestly  engaged  in  reconstructing  the  Louisiana 
State  Government.  In  Arkansas  the  IJnion  people 
were  engaged  in  the  same  laudable  task.  Our 
armies  in  both  States  had  been  hitherto  successful. 

This  was  the  position  when,  in  March,  the  Red 
River  expedition  set  forth  under  General  Banks.  In 
April  following,  a  conjoint  movement,  or  what  was 
presumed  to  be  such,  was  made  by  General  Steele 
from  Little  Rock  and  Fort  Smith,  in  the  direction  of 
Camden.  The  results  of  those  ill-starred  movements 
is  now  historic.  It  becames  necessary  to  allude  to 
to  them,  however,  in  order  to  make  complete  the 
position  in  which  we  stood  at  the  time  the  rebel 
Lieut.-General  Sterling  Price  made  his  last  great 
raid — one  which,  in  distance  from  base,  extent  of 


INTRODUCTORY.  5 

country  traversed,  and  objects  aimed  at,  was  hardly 
less  stupendous  in  character  to  those  whose  magnifi- 
cent success  have  illumined  with  new  lustre  the 
name  of  General  Sherman.  The  similitude  ends, 
however,  when  success  is  named. 

By  the  disastrous  results  of  the  spring  campaigns 
under  Banks  and  Steele,  the  rebel  forces  in  their 
Trans-Mississippi  Department,  from  the  position  of 
defense  were  enabled  to  assume  the  offensive.  Our 
forces  in  the  Department  of  the  Gulf  were  at  once 
concentrated  by  their  new  commander,  General 
Canby,  who  was  also  intrusted  with  the  direction  of 
affairs  in  Arkansas  and  the  Indian  Territory,  which 
latter  region  had  been  annexed  to  General  Steele' s 
department.  The  rebel  forces  numbered  about 
50,000  men.  The  Confederate  General,  Kirby 
Smith,  in  supreme  command.  Lieutenant-General 
Magruder  commanded  in  Texas;  General  Dick 
Taylor  in  Louisiana;  while  General  Sterling  Price 
commanded  what  remained  of  the  rebel  Missouri 
army,  consisting  of  Marmaduke's  division  of  cavalry, 
Major-General  Shelby's  old  brigade,  the  infantry 
under  General  Parsons,  and  the  Arkansas  rebel  regi- 
ments under  General  Fagan.  General  Cooper  had 
command  of  the  rebel  Indians,  in  the  territory 
between  the  Red  and  Arkansas  Rivers,  assisted  by  a 
couple  of  Texas  brigades,  under  Generals  Gano  and 
Maxy. 

Price  had  about  10,000  veteran  troops,  well  armed, 
equipped  and  clothed.  Jackman,  Dobbins,  Brooks, 


6  ARMY   OF   THE   BORDER. 

and  others  were  busily  engaged  bushwhacking  and 
conscripting  in  all  sections  of  Arkansas,  except  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  the  posts  held  by  General 
Steele.  During  the  summer  he  succeeded  in  con- 
scripting about  8,000  men,  a  large  number  of  whom 
were  boys  and  old  men,  unfit  for  and  incapable  of 
withstanding  the  fatigues  and  hardships  incidental  to 
all  military  service ;  but  especially  so  to  that  of  the 
Trans-Mississippi  Confederate  armies  with  their  ill- 
supplied  quartermaster  bureau.  From  the  spoils  of 
Red  River  and  Camden,  General  Price  received  a 
good  share  of  transportation,  clothing,  small  arms, 
several  Parrott  guns;  two  captured  at  Pleasant  Hill, 
La.,  and  two  from  the  8th  Indiana  battery,  Captain 
Rabb,  captured  at  Poison  Spring,  near  Camden,  Ark. ; 
four  guns  taken  by  Fagan  at  the  Mark  Mills,  Ark., 
fight,  and  several  howitzers,  also  taken  in  the  same 
campaign. 

During  the  summer,  the  utmost  activity  prevailed 
among  the  rebels  in  Western  and  Northern  Arkansas. 
Our  forces  were  stationed  principally  at  Fort  Smith 
and  Little  Rock.  We  had  been  compelled  to  with- 
draw th6  troops  from  all  smaller  stations.  Nothing 
of  importance,  therefore,  interfered  with  the  perfect- 
ing, by  General  Price,  of  the  army  with  which  it  was 
rumored  he  projected  an  invasion  of  and  wintering  in 
Missouri. 

General  Rosecrans  found  himself  actively  engaged 
in  ferreting  out  and  providing  against  the  great  rebel 
conspiracy  which  threatened,  at  one  time  during  the 


INTRODUCTORY.  7 

summer  of  1864,  to  plunge  the  States  of  Indiana, 
Illinois,  as  well  as  Missouri,  into  civil  war.  This 
treasonable  organization,  known  as  the  ;;  Order  of 
American  Knights,"  had  received  its  ij  petus  in 
Missouri ;  alike  from  Northern  sympathizers  and 
from  the  agents  of  General  Price ;  as  elsewhere  in 
the  Northwest,  the  impelling  force  was  the  Vallan- 
digham  Democrats.  It  is  well  established  that  the 

o 

movements  of  Price  were  expected  by  those  con- 
nected with  the  order.  There  is  no  doubt  the  great 
raider  relied  upon  receiving  aid  from  this  source  by 
movements  not  only  in  Missouri,  but  also  in  Illinois ; 
and  that  through  them  he  confidently  hoped  to 
revolutionize  Missouri  again  and  re-establish  the 
Confederate  State  Government.  What  is  known  in 
the  local  military  and  political  history  of  Missouri  as 
the  Paw-Paw  rebellion,  was,  without  doubt,  origi- 
nally intended  to  aid  Price's  movements.  Its  pre- 
mature disclosure,  however,  prevented  this,  and 
caused  its  speedy  suppression. 

For  months  rumors  were  rife  in  sympathizing  cir- 
cles, and  among  the  bushwhackers  in  Missouri  that 
"  Pap  Price"  (as  the  general  is  familiarly  known  by 
his  admirers)  would  soon  be  in  the  state  with  a  large 
army.  It  was  generally  credited  by  our  troops 
stationed  on  the  river  and  elsewhere  in  Arkansas, 
that  the  rebel  general  intended  an  advance  north- 
wards; yet  this  was  hardly  deemed  possible  by  the- 
distinguished  soldier  commanding  at  St.  Louis.  If 
General  Steele  knew  or  credited  the  rumor,  it  does 


8  AEMY   OF   THE   BOEDEE. 

not  appear  that  he  took  action  thereon.  As  for 
General  Curtis,  in  command  at  Fort  Leavenworth, 
fully  occupied- with  the  important  duties  entrusted 
to  his  inadequate  forces,  it  is  not  surprising  that  he 
should  have  deemed  it  both  monstrous  and  impossi- 
ble that  a  rebel  army  could  march  unchecked  in  the 
slightest  degree,  for  over  two  hundred  miles  beyond 
our  advanced  lines,  into  the  very  heart  of  our  terri- 
tory; not  only  without  resistance,  but  almost  un- 
known to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  department 
immediately  concerned. 

In  Kansas,  the  military  force  looked  miserably 
insufficient  to  successfully  cope  with  the  enemy,  so 
soon  to  threaten  the  security  of  that  state.  The 
nomadic  Indian  tribes  roaming  near  the  important 
Santa  Fe  and  California  roads,  had  become  suddenly 
and  fiercely  hostile,  committing  simultaneously 
savage  atrocities  and  depredations  upon  life  and 
property  along,  not  only  the  overland  routes,  but 
the  unprotected  settlements  in  Kansas,  Nebraska 
and  Colorado. 

To  meet  this  emergency,  as  well  as  to  guard  the 
eastern  and  southern  borders  of  Kansas,  and  protect 
the  posts  and  depots  of  the  army,  General  Curtis' 
force  consisted  of  about  4J500  men.  The  vast  terri- 
tory and  the  long  lines  of  inter-communication 
rendered  the  handling  of  this  small  force,  for  the 
objects  to  be  accomplished,  one  of  extreme  difficulty. 

The  troops  in  the  Department  of  Kansas  consisted 
partly  of  the  1st  and  3rd  Colorado  volunteer  cav- 


INTRODUCTORY. 


airy  (the  latter  an  hundred  day  regiment,  since  mus- 
tered out)  ;  a  portion  of  the  1st  Nebraska  cavalry, 
Colonel  Livingston ;  some  three  months  Nebraska 
troops ;  a  battalion  of  the  7th  Iowa  cavalry,  and 
about  300  unassigned  recruits  of  the  3rd  Wisconsin 
cavalry.  These  troops  were  all  employed  upon  the 
overland  mail  routes,  and  in  protecting  the  Frontier 
and  Colorado  settlements,  and  were  in  themselves  in- 
adequate for  that  purpose.  In  Kansas  itself  were 
the  llth  regiment  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Colonel 
Thomas  Moonlight;  the  15th  Kansas  Volunteer 
Cavalry,  Colonel  Charles  R.  Jennison ;  a  small  bat- 
talion of  the  3rd  Wisconsin  Cavalry,  with  a  section 
of  the  2nd  Kansas  Battery,  at  Fort  Scott,  which  post 
was  under  command  of  Colonel  Charles  W.  Blair, 
14th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry;  the  16th  Kansas 
(at  Fort  Leavenworth  and  Northern  Kansas ;)  a  new 
cavalry  organization  just  completed ;  and  the  17th 
Regiment  (a  battalion  of  six  companies,  one  hundred 
day  men)  :  these,  with  McLain's  Independent  Colo- 
rado Battery,  and  Captain  Dodge's  9th  Wisconsin 
Battery,  constituted  the  entire  volunteer  force  under 
command  of  General  Curtis. 

At  the  beginning  of  September  and  the  date  of 
Price's  movement  northward,  Major-General  Curtis 
was  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Kearney,  with  an  hastily 
gathered  force  of  volunteers  and  citizens,  endeav- 
oring to  find  the  Indian  enemy.  Major-General  Jas. 
G.  Blunt,  who  had  just  assumed  command  of  the 
District  of  Upper  Arkansas  (a  command  created 


10  AKMY   OF  THE   BOEDER. 

from  the  region  threatened  by  Indians  in  Western 
Kansas  and  Colorado,  south  of  the  Solomon  River,) 
was  at  this  time  out  beyond  Fort  Larned,  in  pursuit 
of  a  large  force  of  warriors  whom  he  met  and 
defeated. 

Major-General  Sykes  was  in  command  of  the 
District  of  Southern  Kansas,  with  head  quarters  at 
Laurence.  This  section  was  divided  into  three 
sub-districts  under  command  of  Colonels  Jennison, 
Moonlight,  and  Blair.  The  supplies  for  Forts  Gibson 
and  Smith  on  the  Arkansas,  both  for  troops  and 
Indian  refugees,  were  mainly  furnished  from  Fort 
Scott.  The  protection  of  route  and  trains  engaged 
all  the  force  stationed  in  South-Eastern  Kansas.  At 
this  time  great  activity  prevailed,  owing  to  the 
constant  alarm  and  danger  to  trains  on  our  Southern 
border,  created  by  the  energy  of  the  rebel  General 
Gano,  who  was  operating  in  the  Cherokee  nation, 
along  the  route  to  Fort  Gibson.  Such  was  the  state 
of  affairs  in  the  Departments  of  Kansas,  Missouri 
and  Arkansas,  at  the  time  the  rebel  General  com- 
menced his  northward  march  from  South- Western 
Arkansas. 


CHAPTER   II. 


GENERAL   PEICE   CROSSES    THE   ARKANSAS — ORGANIZA- 
TION   OF   THE    REBEL    ARMY. 

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL  STERLING  PRICE,  C.  S.  A., 
crossed  the  Arkansas  River  at  Dardennelles,  a  village 
in  Pope  county,  Arkansas,  about  equi-distant  from 
Little  Rock  and  Fort  Smith,  the  two  principal  posts 
occupied  by  our  troops.  It  is  a  position  of  military 
importance,  and  before  the  spring  campaign  of  '64, 
was  held  by  the  3d  regiment  Arkansas  Volunteers. 

The  rebel  army  has  been  variously  estimated  at 
from  5,000  to  15,000  men.  General  Steele's  first 
telegrams,  announcing  their  advance,  estimated  them 
at  5,000,  all  mounted.  He  again  reported  it  from 
5,000  to  10,000,  mostly  infantry,  and  later,  at  15,000 
mounted  men,  with  20  guns. 

Their  operations  showed  the  rebel  army  consisted, 
at  the  time  of  crossing,  of  about  18,000  armed  men, 
nearly  all  of  whom  were  mounted.  Some  three  or 
four  thousand  recruits  and  conscripts  were  added  in 
Northern  Arkansas. 


12  AKMY    OF   THE   BOKDEE. 

This  force  was  organized  into  three  divisions, 
under  the  command  respectively  of  Brevet  Major- 
Generals  Fagan,  Marmaduke  and  Joe  Shelby. 

Fagan's  troops  were  in  the  main,  veteran  Arkan- 
sians.  His  brigades  were  commanded  by  Brigadier 
Generals  Cabell,  McRae,  Slemmons,  and  Colonel 
Dobbins.  Among  the  Colonels  and  Regimental 
Commanders,  were  Munroe,  Hills,  Gordon,  Reeves, 
Baker,  Crandall,  Crawford,  Witts,  McGee  and 
Anderson ;  Lieutenant-Colonels  Reefe,  Crabtree  and 
Corcoran.  The  division  had  two  Parrott  guns,  two 
rifled  guns,  made  in  Texas,  six  howitzers,  and  one 
inch-and-a-half  rifled  gun,  used  for  picking  off  artil- 
leryists,  and  said  to  be  very  effective ;  in  all  eleven. 

The  second  division  was  commanded  by  Marma- 
duke, and  consisted  of  the  cavalry  of  the  Missouri 
State  Guard,  an  organization  which,  under  Price,  has 
from  the  beginning  seen  much  service.  Its  brigade 
commanders  were  Brigadier  Generals  Clarke, 
Graham,  and  Tyler.  Its  regimental  commanders 
were  Colonels  Freeman,  Lowe,  Bristow,  Green, 
Jeffries,  Burbridge,  Fauthers  and  Kitchen,  with 
Majors  Wood  and  Wolfe.  It  had  four  Parrott  and 
James'  rifled  guns,  captured  on  the  Red  River,  and 
two  or  three  light  howitzers. 

Shelby's  division  was  composed  mainly  of  the  old 
bushwacking,  raiding  force  of  Southern  Missouri, 
increased  by  a  rigorous  conscription  in  Nbrthepn 
Arkansas.  The  notorious  partizan  leader,  Jeff.  M. 
Thompson,  commanded  Shelby's  old  brigade,  and 


EEBEL   OKGANIZATION   AND   ACTIVITY.  13 

the  infamous  guerilla,  Colonel  Jackman,  commanded 
an  other.  Among  the  Colonels,  were  Smith, 
Hunter,  Slayback,  Coffey,  Coleman  and  Schnahle. 
Lieutenant-Colonels,  Irwin  and  Elliott,  with  Major 
Shaw,  and  Captain  Smith  commanding  the  artillery, 
which  consisted  of  six  guns,  two  of  them  captured 
Parrotts.  General  Tyler  was  afterwards  placed  in 
command  of  a  division,  composed  of  the  recruits 
and  conscripts  gathered  in  Missouri. 

The  route  of  this  army  in  Northern  Arkansas  was 
through  the  counties  of  Pope,  Van  Buren,  Searcy, 
Izard,  Fulton  and  Lawrence.  The  rebel  movements 
were  unmolested  and  conducted  in  the  most  leisurely 
manner. 

The  contradictory  intelligence  which  for  two  or 
three  weeks  reached  St.  Louis  and  Little  Rock, 
served  only  to  confuse  Generals  Rosecrans  and 
Curtis.  General  Steele,  who  had  been  largely  re-in- 
forced  by  several  thousand  infantry,  does  not  seem  to 
have  been  very  active.  The  rebels  showed  great 
activity  in  the  neighborhood  of  our  posts  in  Western 
Arkansas,  and  by  demonstrations  in  the  vicinity  of 
Forts  Smith,  Gibson,  at  Cane  Hill,  Clarksville,  Fay- 
etteville,  and  along  the  supply  route  in  the  Indian 
Territory.  General  Gano  moved  along  the  latter 
line  with  two  brigades  of  cavalry,  one  of  Texans 
and  the  other  of  Indians,  under  Stand  Waitie,  the 
rebel  Cherokee  leader.  The  rebels,  Colonel  Brooks 
and  Major  Buck  Brown,  whose  operations  in  Wash- 
ington and  Benton  counties,  Arkansas,  had  kept  our 


14  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

troops  at  Fayetteville  on  the  alert  all  summer,  were 
reported  at  Clarksville,  while  other  forces,  marauding 
parties  mainly,  were  reported  at  Cane  Hill,  Crawford 
county.  By  these  means  and  this  activity,  our 
intelligence  was  confused,  and  the  attention  of  our 
officers  directed  from  the  rebel  line  of  march. 


CHAPTER   III. 

» 

INVASION   OF   MISSOURI BATTLE   OF   PILOT   KNOB. 

GENERAL  CURTIS  was  encamped  upon  the  Solomon 
River  in  Western  Kansas,  returning  from  an  expe- 
dition against  Indians,  when  Price  crossed  the 
Arkansas. 

The  despatch  from  Major-General  Rosecrans  sug- 
gested that  their  route  northward  was  probably  by 
way  of  Pilot  Knob ;  whence  they  could  overrun 
Southern  Kansas,  and  join  General  Cooper  in  the 
Indian  Territory. 

The  force  under  General  Rosecrans  was  mainly 
new  troops ;  most  of  the  veteran  regiments  had  been 
removed,  a  large  portion  to  General  Steele  after  the 
disasters  of  the  previous  spring.  The  commander  in 
Missouri,  warned,  not  of  an  expected  rebel  invasion, 
but  by  the  Paw-Paw  insurrection  and  the  discovery 
of  the  Order  of  American  Knights,  had  shortly 
before  this  period  obtained  authority  to  raise  a  num- 
ber of  provisional  regiments  for  the  period  of  twelve 
months.  The  organization  of  this  force  was  under 


16  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

way,  at  the  time  Price's  army  entered  the  state  at 
West  Plains.  These  regiments  and  the  state  militia 
materially  aided  our  subsequent  success.  At  the 
same  time  the  dispatch  relative  to  the  rebel  advance 
was  received,  Colonel  Blair  at  Fort  Scott,  Kansas, 
received  dispatches  from  Colonel  Wattles,  2nd  Regi- 
ment Indian  brigade,  commanding  at  Fort  Gibson, 
C.  N.,  announcing  that  the  rebels  under  Cooper, 
Gano  and  Maxy,  were  advancing  through  to  the 
Choctaw  Nation,  with  apparent  intention  of  crossing 
the  Arkansas.  Colonel  Wattles  also  reported  Price's 
army  at  15,000.  General  Curtis  returned  from  the 
west  on  the  17th,  and  immediately  commenced  such 
preparations  for  defence  as  his  very  limited  force 
would  allow. 

On  the  19th  of  September  a  supply  train  for  Forts 
Gibson  and  Smith,  which  left  Fort  Scott  on  the 
12th,  under  Major  Henry  Hopkins,  2nd  Kansas 
Cavalry,  was  attacked  at  Cabin  Creek,  Cherokee 
Nation,  at  midnight,  by  a  rebel  force  under  General 
Gano,  numbering  about  2,500,  with  several  rifled 
guns.  Our  force  consisted  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
cavalry,  same  of  dismounted  men  (white),  thirty 
mounted  Cherokees  and  three  hundred  and  thirty 
infantry  (Indians) ;  in  all  six  hundred  and  ten. 
The  enemy  was  held  in  check  by  four  hundred  of 
the  escort  from  1  P.  M.  to  7i  A.  M.,  when  the 
rebel  line  advanced  and  ours  was  driven  back, 
fleeing  in  disorder.  They  captured  the  train  of 
three  hundred  wagons,  about  half  belonging  to  Gov- 


KANSAS   MILITIA    CALLED    FOE.  17 

ernment,  the  balance,  sutlers'  and  refugee  sup 
plies.  The  major  portion  of  the  train  was  burnt  by 
the  enemy.  A  number  of  our  forces  were  killed, 
wounded  and  taken  prisoners. 

This  event  showed  the  perilous  condition  of  the 
Southern  border,  with  the  small  force  at  our  disposal, 
and  the  activity  of  the  enemy.  It  was  a  loss  of 
great  magnitude,  depriving  this  supply  route  of  its 
transportation,  and  put  the  garrisons  on  the  Arkansas 
in  danger  of  starvation.  Reports  were  prevalent 
also,  of  Price's  presence  at  Cane  Hill,  Arkansas. 

On  the  24th,  Governor  Carney  was  informed  of 
the  approaching  danger,  and  requested  to  have  the 
militia  in  readiness  to  co-operate  for  the  defense  of 
the  State.  Promises  were  made  to  the  Governor, 
that,  so  far  as  possible,  they  should  mainly  be 
employed  as  garrisons,  during  the  continuance  of 
danger.  On  the  night  of  the  24th,  Gen.  Rosecrans 
received  information  of  the  rebel  advance  into  Mis- 
souri, by  way  of  Poplar  Bluffs  and  Bloomfield, 
through  Butler  and  Stoddard  counties. 

Major  General  George  Sykes,  commanding  the 
District  of  South  Kansas,  telegraphed  on  the  21st,  a 
report  of  three  thousand  rebels  marching  on  Fort 
Scott,  and  advised  that  Governor  Carney  call  out  the 
militia  in  the  border  counties.  He  also  suggested  the 
concentration  of  the  15th  Regiment  Kansas  Volun- 
teer Cavalry,  at  Fort  Scott.  Two  companies  of  the 
17th  Regiment  (100  days  men,)  Kansas  Volunteers, 
were  sent  to  Paola,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Drake. 
2 


18  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

The  Governor  made  a  call  upon  the  border  militia 
as  requested. 

The  telegraphic  despatches  came  faster  and  still 
more  contradictory  from  General  Rosecrans  at  St. 
Louis,  while  nothing  seemed  definitely  known  of 
Price's  movement,  though  his  army  at  this  time,  was 
within  a  few  miles  of  the  south  line  of  Missouri. 

On  the  24th,  General  Rosecrans  telegraphed  Gen- 
eral Curtis,  "  that  he  does  not  credit"  General 
Steele's  dispatches  that  "  Price  with  5,000  to  10,000 
mounted  infantry,  and  seventeen  pieces  of  artillery, 
was  at  Pocahontas  on  the  22d.  On  the  25th  he 
found  reason  to  believe  "  that  Price  is  north  of  the 
Arkansas  line  in  South  Missouri."  On  the  next  day, 
that  his  "  present"  impression  is,  that  Price  will  move 
toward  Jefferson  City,  between  Rolla  and  Lebanon, 
and  pass  out  towards  Kansas.  He  advised  against 
any  movement  too  far  South,  but  urged  waiting  till 
Price's  strength  and  intentions  in  Missouri  were 
developed.  On  the  28th,  he  was  again  incredulous. 
Shelby  had  been  reported  at  Pocahontas,  and  was 
known  to  be  in  the  vicinity  of  Frederickstown,  Mo. 
Under  date  of  the  26th,  Price  and  Shelby  were  seen 
together,  between  Pocahontas  and  Curent  River. 
In  Rosecrans'  opinion,  Shelby  seemed  to  be  opera- 
ting to  draw  troops  off  to  the  south-east.  Price  had 
a  train  of  from  three  to  four  hundred  wagons,  prin- 
cipally loaded  with  ammunition  and  ordnance 
stores.  His  army  lived  on  the  country  and  con- 
scripted rigorously  as  they  moved.  It  is  evident 


OUE   TKOOPS   IN   MISSOURI.  19 

that  General  Rosecrans  believed  the  rebels  only 
intended  a  great  raid  up  to  the  central  region,  keep- 
ing his  main  force  south  of  the  Osage  River,  and 
then  westward  to  Kansas,  joining  Cooper  and  Gano 
for  a  raid  therein. 

Brigadier  General  Sanborn,  was  in  command  ot 
the  District  of  South-west  Missouri,  with  head-quar- 
ters at  Springfield.  The  force  in  his  district 
(cavalry),  consisted  of  about  2,000  men,  mainly  Mis- 
souri State  Militia  ;  it  also  embraced  the  2d  Arkan- 
sas Volunteer  Cavalry,  under  Col.  Phelps,  Jr. 

The  district  of  which  Rolla  is  head-quarters,  was 
under  command  of  Brigadier  General  John  McNeil, 
well  known  for  his  radical  and  active  policy  as  a 
soldier,  and  his  uncompromising  loyalty  as  a  citizen. 
Rolla  is  the  terminus  of  the  south-west  branch  of  the 
Missouri  Pacific  Railroad,  and  one  of  the  most 
important  depots  in  that  State.  It  has  been  the 
object  of  many  efforts  on  the  part  of  rebel  raiding 
forces,  and  appeared  to  be  again  threatened  by  this 
movement.  General  McNeil  prepared  his  small  force 
for  a  vigorous  defence.  The  post  is  well  fortified. 

Brigadier  General  Thomas  Ewing,  Jr.,  was  in 
command  of  the  District  of  South-east  Missouri, 
head-quarters  of  which  are  at  St.  Louis,  and  in  which 
is  included  the  Iron  Mountain  Railroad,  with  the 
famous  Arcadia  Valley  and  the  posts  of  Pilot  Knob, 
St.  Genevieve,  Cape  Giradeau,  New  Madrid,  and 
others  upon  the  Mississippi  River.  The  rebels 
marched  through  this  district,  in  the  counties  of 


20  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

Butler,  Stoddard,  Wayne,  Madison,  and  Iron,  where 
was  the  terminus  of  the  Iron  Mountain  Railroad,  at 
Pilot  Knob. 

During  the  early  preparations  to  meet  Price,  Gen- 
eral Rosecrans  had  succeeded  in  temporarily  detain- 
ing two  brigades  of  the  veteran  17th  corps,  under 
General  A.  J.  Smith,  then  passing  down  the  Mis- 
sissippi River  to  Memphis.  They  were  landed  at 
Jefferson  Barracks,  below  St.  Louis.  On  the  24th, 
General  Ewing  was  ordered  to  take  the  2d  Brigade, 
patrol  and  garrison  the  Iron  Mountain  Road 

The  enemy  were  reported  at  Fredericktown,  Madi- 
son county.  General  Ewing  proceeded  to  Pilot 
Knob,  held  by  Major  James  Wilson,  3d  M.  S.  M. 
All  the  troops  stationed  in  the  Third  Sub-District 
had  been  withdrawn  and  concentrated  here.  Ewing's 
instructions  from  Gen.  Rosecrans  were  to  have  Major 
Wilson  hold  the  post  against  detachments,  but  evacu- 
ate if  Price's  army  should  appear.  The  entire  force 
concentrated  under  General  Ewing  was  1,051  volun- 
teers and  one  hundred  and  fifty  citizens,  enough  to 
man  the  works, which  were  quite  strong. 

Pilot  Knob  is  eighty-six  miles  south  of  St.  Louis. 
It  lies  in  a  plain  of  three  hundred  acres,  with  Cedar 
and  Rock  mountains  to  the  North,  Pilot  Knob  to 
the  East,  and  Shepherd  mountain  on  the  South  and 
West.  These  are  from  five  to  six  hundrc'  io  '  high, 
rising  abruptly  from  the  valley  and  cov*.  '  'ith 
rocks,  gnarled  oaks  and  undergrowth.  The  sieves 
of  Shepherd  mountain  are  accessible.  A  creek 


ATTACK   ON   PILOT   KNOB.  21 

flows  along  its  base,  and  through  a  gap  between 
it  and  Pildt  Knob,  into  a  larger  valley  beyond,  in 
which  is  the  town  of  Ironton.  Throug  this  gap 
runs  the  Fredericktown  road,  passing  out  of  the 
larger  valley  by  what  is  called  "  Shut-in-Gap." 
These  valleys  are  known  as  Arcadia.  The  position 
is  not  considered  defensible  against  a  large  force 
with  serviceable  artillery.  Fort  Davidson,  defensive 
work  lying  on  the  plain  south  of  the  village,  is  about 
six  hundred  yards  from  the  Knob,  six  hundred  from 
Shepherd's  mountain,  and  one  thousand  from  the 
gap  at  Stout's  creek.  It  mounted  four  thirty-two 
pound  seige  guns  and  three  twenty-four  pound  how- 
itzers. During  the  night  preceding  the  attack,  six 
pieces  of  field  artillery  were  mounted — all  en  ~ba/rbette. 
General  Ewing  reached  Pilot  Knob  at  noon,  Sep- 
tember 26th.  Strong '  reconnoitering  parties  being 
sent  out,  met  Price's  advance  at  "  Shut-in-Gap." 
They  were  driven  back  to  Ironton,  where  a  stand 
was  made  till  night.  At  midnight  it  was  evident 
the  enemy  were  in  large  numbers,  their  column 
having  been  all  the  night  moving  in  strong  force  into 
the  larger  valley.  Believing  the  advantage  of  delay- 
ing the  enemy's  northward  march  would  be  great, 
Ewing  determined  on  a  stubborn  resistance.  He 
forwarded  by  railroad  all  stores  not  needed  ;  sent  off 
the  rolling  stock  and  all  empty  Quarter-Master 
wagons.  Telegraphic  communication  was  kept  open 
all  night  with  General  Smith  at  De  Soto.  The  battle 
commenced  at  daylight  on  the  27th,  and  was  obsti- 


22  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

nately  fought  all  day,  our  well-served  artillery,  and 
the  deadly  fire  of  our  small  arms,  driving  the  rebels 
back  every  time  they  ventured  to  attempt  an  assault. 
Two  divisions,  General  Fagan's  and  Marmaduke's, 
were  engaged.  Both  suffered  terribly,  as  must  needs 
be  in  an  attempt  to  cross  an  open  plain  of  three 
hundred  acres,  from  the  fire  of  eleven  well-served 
guns,  and  the  musketry  fire  of  a  thousand  men. 
Marmaduke's  Division  made  a  charge  from  the  south 
and  west,  but  were  broken  and  disordered,  both  by 
the  inequalities  and  our  heavy  fire,  before  they 
reached  the  plain.  Most  of  the  assaulting  force  took 
cover  in  the  creek  bed,  from  which  they  kept  up  an 
incessant  fire.  Only  about  one  hundred  ventured  on 
assault,  but  were  driven  back  before  reaching  the 
ditch. 

Simultaneously  with  Marmaduke's  movements, 
General  Fagan  marched  over  Pilot  Knob  to  the  East. 
Stronger,  and  less  disturbed  by  our  fire,  this  Division 
swept  back  disordered,  or  cut  off,  the  companies 
which  had  held  the  town  and  part  of  the  mountain 
side.  Their  own  lines  became  disordered  by  our  fire, 
but  hastily  reformed,  were  led  by  General  Cabell  in 
person.  We  opened,  as  they  came  in  sight,  at  four 
hundred  yards,  and  with  grape  and  canister  from 
seven  pieces.  The  rebels  moved  gallantly,  but  were 
confused,  broken  and  swept  down  by  our  well- 
directed  and  destructive  fire.  The  advance  had 
reached  the  ditch,  when  the  whole  force  fled,  leaving 
a  large  number  of  killed  and  wounded.  While  the 


GENERAL  EWING  KETEEATS.  23 

assault  progressed,  a  large  cavalry  force  was  sent  to 
occupy  tlie  Mineral  Point  Road,  over  which  was  the 
most  available  line  of  retreat  for  Ewing  and  his 
gallant  troops.  Prisoners  stated  that  the  enemy 
numbered  12,000  men  with  10  guns,  Shelby's 
Division  having  gone  from  Fredericktown  to  Farm- 
ington,  Francois  County,  north-east  of  Pilot  Knob. 
General  Ewing,  finding  himself  unable  to  hold  the 
mountain  sides,  without  which  the  works  would  be 
untenable,  determined  to  evacuate.  The  Potosi 
(Washington  Co.)  Road  was  the  only  one  now  open. 
At  midnight  preparations  began,  and  before  day- 
break the  entire  command  was  on  its  road  North. 
The  magazine  was  blown  up  about  an  hour  before 
day,  the  enemy  being  then  at  Ironton,  busily 
engaged  in  making  fascines  and  scaling  ladders  for 
the  assault,  confident  that  General  Ewing  was 
hemmed  in.  In  the  meanwhile  Shelby  had  moved 
over  to  Potosi  the  evening  before.  Price  ordered 
Shelby  down  to  join  in  the  attack.  Learning  of 
this,  General  Ewing  left  the  Potosi  Road,  and 
moved  by  that  through  Webster,  towards  Rolla,  in 
a  direction  almost  due  West.  A  small  squad  struck 
Shelby's  advance  at  Caledonia,  killing  several.  This 
induced  that  commander  to  halt  two  miles  north  of 
the  village  to  give  us  battle.  Several  hours  were 
thus  lost  to  them  of  which  Ewing  took  advantage  to 
press  his  retreat.  Marmaduke  left  the  Knob  at  8 
A.  M.,  and  joined  Shelby  in  the  pursuit.  At  sun- 
down our  forces  reached  Webster,  having  marched 


24  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

thirty-one  miles,  and  rested  till  midnight.  It  was 
determined  to  march  to  Leesburg  on  the  South 
branch  of  the  Pacific  Railroad,  about  thirty  miles 
East  of  Rolla.  The  road  to  the  latter  place 
was  open  to  cavalry  movements,  while  by  the 
Leesburg  road  General  Ewing  had  the  advantage 
(protecting  his  flanks)  of  a  spur  in  the  Ozark  Hills, 
separating  the4Huzzah  and  Courteois  rivers,  and  the 
gorge  of  the  Huzzah,  walled  by  precipitous  cliffs. 
Besides,  to  Leesburg  (Harrison)  was  but  thirty-five 
miles ;  to  Rolla,  fifty-five.  A  detachment  of  ten  men 
under  Captain  Dills,  10th  Kansas,  was  sent  forward 
to  Franklin,  to  telegraph  to  General  Rosecrans  at 
St.  Louis,  and  to  General  McNeil  at  Rolla,  informing 
them  of  the  situation. 

Our  little  column,  after  marching  through  the 
night,  were  overtaken  by  the  enemy  at  eight  on  the 
morning  of  the  29th.  Major  Williams,  10th  Kansas, 
Acting  A.  D.  C.,  was  placed  in  command  of  the 
rear,  and  by  occasional  rounds  of  grape  and  canister 
kept  the  enemy  in  check,  making  good  the  retreat. 
The  skirmishing  was  constant  until  within  four  miles 
of  Harrison.  We  then  entered  a  high  sweep  of 
gently  rolling  woodland,  and  had  to  fight  doggedly 
thereafter  for  every  step  we  gained. 

Harrison  was  reached  just  after  dark,  the  march 
of  sixty-six  miles  being  made  in  thirty-nine  hours. 
The  position  was  naturally  strong,  being  on  the 
crest  of  a  ridge,  with  no  timber  for  two  hundred 
yards  to  obstruct  the*  range.  A  railroad  cut  shel- 


FIGHT    AT   HARRISON,    MISSOURI.  25 

tered  the  horses.  A  large  number  of  ties  made  into 
breastworks,  and  the  adjacent  houses,  afforded  a 
ijood  means  of  defense.  The  wearied  command  had 

9 

barely  time  to  form,  when  an  assault  was  made, 
which  was  gallantly  repulsed.  Just  then  the  Eastern 
train  arrived  with  cars  enough  to  move  the  troops. 
They  were  placed  on  board,  and  were  about  to  start 
for  St.  Louis,  when  the  stations  north  and  south  of 
the  position  were  seen  in  flames.  The  night  was 
then  spent  in  fortifying.  On  the  80th  the  enemy 
appeared  in  force,  making  demonstrations  through- 
out the  day  as  if  to  assault.  The  defence  was 
maintained  by  musketry,  less  than  thirty  rounds  to 
the  gun  remaining  with  the  field  pieces,  which  was 
reserved  for  the  moment  of  assault,  or  the  emergen- 
cies of  a  further  retreat.  The  day  passed  in  fighting 
and  unremitting  labor  on  the  defense.  At  night 
another  assault  was  made  and  repulsed.  At  mid- 
night a  messenger  was  sent  to  Holla  for  help,  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Maupin,  accompanied  by  Captain 
Schenck  and  Lieutenant  Fletcher,  sent  to  Franklin 
to  advise  General  Rosecrans  of  our  position,  and 
endeavor  to  rally  and  bring  back  some  mounted 
militia,  our  cavalry  being  completely  exhausted. 
The  messenger  reached  Rolla.  but  Colonel  Maupin 
and  companions  failed,  barely  escaping  capture. 

The  morning  of  October  1st  opened  anxiously. 

The    skirmishing    was    renewed   vigorously.      The 

enemy   thoroughly  reconnoitered   our  position,  and 

made    every    preparation    to    capture    the    heroic 

3 


26  AKMY    OF   THE    BOEDEE. 

command.  General  Shelby,  who  commanded  the 
rebel  force,  evidently  respected  the  pluck  exhibited 
by  General  Ewing,  and  hesitated,  letting — I  would, 
wait  upon  I  dare  not.  At  two  P.  M.  the  enemy 
withdrew,  and  at  four,  Lieutenant  Colwel  Beveridge, 
17th  Illinois  Cavalry,  arrived  from  Holla  with  five 
hundred  men.  Strong  pickets  were  immediately 
posted  on  the  roads  occupied  by  the  enemy,  and 
towards  midnight  General  Ewing  withdrew  in  the 
direction  of  Holla,  leaving  a  hundred  men  to  rein- 
force the  pickets,  and  destroy  the  few  stores  left. 
The  infantry  were  left  at  Roll  a  as  garrison,  and  the 
cavalry  turned  over  to  General  McNeil,  who,  on  the 
4th,  marched  to  Jefferson  City ;  General  Ewing, 
with  a  small  escort,  passing  around  the  rear  of  the 
enemy  to  St.  Louis. 

Thus  ended  the  brief  but  brilliant  services  of 
General  Ewing  in  the  campaign  against  General 
Price.  The  defence  of  Pilot  Knob,  retreat  to  and 
defence  of  Harrison,  are  in  themselves  events  which 
deserve  great  credit.  The  result  was  also  good.  It 
delayed  the  rebel  march,  and  enabled  all  concerned 
in  defeating  them,  to  gather  more  force  and  better 
arrange  their  plans.  The  gallant  action  of  General 
Ewing  in  all  probability  saved  St.  Louis.  The  delay 
caused  in  the  rebel  march  enabled  our  forces  to  effect 
a  junction  there  and  prevent  its  capture.  Our  loss 
was  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  killed  and  wounded, 
and  fifty  captured  and  paroled.  The  rebel  loss  is 
estimated  at  1,500.  This  appears  from  the  evi- 


THE    EEBEL    LOSS    AT    PILOT    KNOB.  27 

dence  of  Surgeon  T.  W.  Johnston,  left  in  charge  of 
our  wounded.  At  Ironton,  there  afterwards  fell 
into  our  hands,  Colonel  Thomas,  General  Fagan's 
Chief  of  Staff,  three  Majors,  seven  Captains,  twelve 
Lieutenants,  and  two  hundred  and  four  enlisted  men, 
representing  seventeen  regiments  and  batteries.  The 
balance  of  the  wounded  were  sent  South  under 
escort  of  Colonel  Rain's  Regiment.  Those  in  the 
hospital  were  all  dangerously,  many  of  them 
mortally,  wounded. 

In  the  meanwhile,  General  Curtis  was  straining 
every  nerve.  Upon  the  2d  of  October,  General 
Sykes  was  directed  to  concentrate  troops  at  Olathe, 
gathering  such  of  the  militia  as  he  could  in  that 
vicinity.  The  2d  Colorado  Volunteer  Cavalry  were 
at  Independence,  making  preparations  to  march  to 
the  Department  of  Kansas.  Colonel  Ford  was 
directed  to  move  to  a  point  near  Paola,  Colonel 
Blair  at  Fort  Scott,  Colonel  Jennison  at  Mound 
City,  and  Colonel  Moonlight,  were  directed  to  con- 
centrate all  their  forces.  Bushwhackers  were  bolder 
in  North  Missouri  and  the  section  contiguous  to 
Kansas. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

MOVEMENTS     IN    THE    DEPARTMENT    OF     KANSAS PRO- 
CLAMATION   OF   MARTIAL    LAW. 

ON  the  2d  of  October,  General  Rosecrans  reported 
to  General  Curtis,  that  the  rebel  army  was  moving 
west,  and  had  intersected  the  railroads  south-west 
and  west  of  St.  Louis,  the  south-west  branch  at 
Franklin,  and  the  Pacific  Road  at  Washington. 
Both  points  are  in  the  county  of  Franklin,  the  one 
next  west  of  St.  Louis,  and  each  seventy  miles  from 
that  city. 

Shelby,  after  withdrawal  from  Ewing's  front,  had 
proceeded  north-east  along  the  line  of  the  road, 
destroying  bridges  and  other  property,  until  reaching 
Franklin,  where  he  united  with  the  other  divisions, 
which  meanwhile,  had  marched  northward  along  the 
line  of  the  Iron  Mountain  Road,  destroying  every- 
thing valuable,  consuming  all  supplies,  and  conscript- 
ing all  the  semi-secessionists,  and  as  many  Union 
men  as  they  could  lay  their  hands  on.  By  the  time 
Price  reached  Missouri  River,  at  Washington,  there 


RIGID    CONSCRIPTION.  29 

can  be  no  doubt  the  rebel  force  had  increased  about 
four  thousand.  Thus,  from  the  time  they  left  the 
Arkansas  River,  of  the  eighteen  thousand  men  who 
crossed  at  Dardennelles,  the  statements  of  rebel  pris- 
oners, as  well  as  of  Union  spies,  scouts  and  prisoners, 
unite  in  saying  that  only  15,000  were  armed,  and 
that  arms  'of  different  kinds  and  character  were 
obtained  by  the  time  they  reached  Washington,  to 
indifferently  equip  five  or  six  thousand  more.  The 
arms  used  by  their  veteran  troops  were  of  the  best 
character,  mainly  Enfield  rifles,  obtained  through 
Mexico  from  England. 

By  the  movement  along  the  lines  of  railroad, 
Price  was  enabled  to  throw  all  the  force  concen- 
trated at  St.  Louis,  several  days  march  to  his  rear. 
This  included  the  two  brigades  (veterans)  which 
General  A.  J.  Smith  had  landed  in  obedience  to 
orders,  as  also  other  troops,  that,  under  General 
Mower,  had  been  sent  to  the  assistance  of  Rosecrans, 
The  latter  believed  that  St.  Louis  was  the  prize 
sought  by  the  daring  raider. 

Jefferson  City,  the  State  capital,  was  in  the 
greatest  danger.  Brigadier-General  Clinton  B.  Fisk, 
commanding  the  District  of  North  Missouri,  head- 
quarters at  St.  Joseph,  rapidly  concentrated  what 
force  he  had  and  could  spare  from  posts  necessary 
to  be  protected,  and  threw  himself  into  Jefferson 
City.  Brigadier-General  Brown,  commanding  the 
Central  District,  head-quarters  at  Warrensburg, 
Johnson  County,  had  previously  assumed  command 


30  ARMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

there  with  all  his  available  force,  consisting  of  less 
than  2,000  enrolled  militia.  General  Fisk  took 
command,  and  General  Curtis  immediately  opened 
communication  with  him,  the  telegraph  to  St.  Louis 
having  been  destroyed  by  the  rebels.  General 
McNeil  also  united  his  forces  (cavalry),  after 
relieving  General  Ewing  from  his  perilous  position 
at  Leesburg.  This  was  on  the  5th  of  October. 
General  Sanborn  reached  the  same  point  next  day 
from  Springfield.  The  force  at  Jefferson  City  then 
numbered  6,000.  Four  thousand  were  cavalry,  and 
with  eight  guns  and  with  the  addition  of  Winslow's 
Brigade  of  the  17th  Army  Corps,  formed  the  Pro- 
visional Cavalry  Division  commanded  by  Major- 
General  Alfred  Pleasanton,  in  the  subsequent  pursuit 
of  Price,  and  the  battles  of  the  border. 

In  the  meanwhile  the  rebels  were  steadily  advanc- 
ing westward,  destroying,  foraging  and  conscripting 
as  they  marched ;  General  Rosecrans  was  making 
cautious  movements  out  of  St.  Louis.  The  forces 
gathered  at  Jefferson  City  were  resisting  strenuously 
the  movements  of  Price,  while  General  Curtis,  in 
Kansas,  was  actively  employed  in  working,  pre- 
paring and  counselling.  October  4th,  an  order  was 
issued  forbidding  the  transit  of  boats  below  Kansas 
City.  Colonel  Ford,  at  Independence,  was  untiring 
and  energetic,  keeping  stations  at  Hickman's'  Mills 
and  Pleasant  Hill,  while  scouting  thoroughly  to  the 
east. 

Colonel     Thomas    Moonlight,    commanding   the 


ACTIVITY    OF   THE    TROOPS.  31 

Northern  Sub-Distrist  of  the  District  of  South 
Kansas,  made  a  call  on  Brigadier-General  Fishback, 
K.  S.  M.,  for  two  regiments  of  State  Militia  to 
assemble  at  Olathe  witnout  delay. 

The  notorious  guerilla,  Bill  Anderson,  who  had 
operated  along  the  line  of  the  North  Missouri  Road, 
kept  North  Missouri  in  a  continual  ferment.  During 
the  first  week  in  October,  he  attacked  several  trains 
on  the  Hannibal  &  St.  Joseph  Railroad,  robbing  the 
passengers,  and  committing  other  depredations. 

On  the  3d  the  rebels  held  Hermann,  an  important 
German  settlement  on  the  river,  where  they  captured 
a  train  and  three  locomotives.  Colonel  Chester 
Harding,  Jr.,  43d  Missouri  Infantry  Volunteers, 
with  four  hundred  men,  left  St.  Joseph  on  the  4th, 
on  the  steamer  West  Wind,  with  the  intention  of 
proceeding  to  Jefferson 

The  Governor  of  Kansas,  in  response  to  a  request 
for  the  calling  out  of  State  Militia,  asked  that  a 
written  demand  should  be  made  upon  him.  This 
request  was  promptly  complied  with  on  the  4th  inst., 
when  it  was  known  that  Jefferson  City  was  in  peril. 
On  the  6th,  General  Rosecrans  was  urged  to  push 
his  force  in  rear  of  the  enemy,  as  delays  were 
disastrous. 

Colonel  Ford  then  held  the  advanced  posts  of  the 
Department  of  Kansas,  and  the  ones  from  which 
information,  it  was  certain,  would  first  come. 
General  Curtis  hoped  the  rebels  might  still  be 
checked  at  the  Gasconade  and  Osage  Rivers,  and  to 


32  AKMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

this  end  counselled  General  Brown,  at  the  capital  of 
Missouri,  to  burn  the  bridges  on  those  streams. 
Eight  companies  of  the  2d  Colorado  were  at 
Pleasant  Hill,  under  the  Colonel,  two  at  Independ- 
ence, under  Captain  Moses,  and  two  at  Kansas 
City,  under  Major  Pritchard. 

General  Fisk  telegraphed  on  the  6th,  that  he  held 
the  enemy  at  the  Moreen,  upon  the  road  to  Castle 
Rock,  and  that  no  force  was  pressing  their  rear. 
Our  troops  from  St.  Louis  marched  in  a  leisurely 
manner  considering  the  imminent  peril  ahead,  and 
the  obvious  advantage  to  be  gained  by  attacking 
the  rebels  at  or  near  the  Osage  River,  where  the 
force  in  Jefferson  City  could  co-operate.  General 
Curtis  deemed  this  the  proper  action  to  be  taken. 
Governor  Carney  was  kept  constantly  advised  as 
intelligence  was  received,  and  was  urged  to  hasten 
the  call  for  the  militia.  Naturally  disliking  to  take 
the  citizens  of  a  whole  State  from  their  peaceful 
avocations,  this  was  not  promulgated  until  longer 
delay  would  have  been  fatal. 

The  Yth  and  8th  of  October  passed.  Sharp  fighting 
was  reported  by  General  Fisk  in  front  of  Jefferson 
City ;  our  forces  withdrawing  to  the  trenches.  The 
telegraph  lines  between  Sedalia  and  Lexington  were 
cut  on  the  evening  of  the  8th,  the  guerilla  Anderson 
having  been  reported  the  previous  day  at  Lexington, 
with  five  hundred  men.  The  same  day  all  the  wires 
were  cut  east  of  Pleasant  Hill,  indicating  the  west- 
ward advance  of  the  rebels. 


PEOCLAMATION   OF   GOVEKISTOK   CAEKEY. 


33* 


On  the  7th  of  October,  Major  Samuel  S.  Curtis, 
2d  Colorado  Cavalry,  A.  D.  C.  to  General  Curtis, 
took  possession  of  the  steamer  Benton  for  Govern- 
ment purposes.  Three  Companies  of  the  43d 
Infantry  Missouri  Volunteers,  under  Major  Davis, 
were  on  board.  Three  more  companies  were  on  the 
steamer  West  Wind,  Colonel  Chester  Harding  being 
in  command.  Major  Curtis  was  directed  to  proceed 
with  them  to  Jefferson  City. 

On  the  8th,  the  following  despatch  was  received : 

FORT,  SCOTT,  Oct.  10. 
To  MAJOR-GENERAL  CURTIS  : 

Lamar  was  burned  last  night  entire — not  a  house  left. 
Supposed  to  be  done  by  a  large  force  of  bushwhackers. 
Laraar  is  forty- six  miles  south-east  of  here. 

(Signed)  0.  W.  BLAIR,  Col. 

The  peril  being  imminent,  an  urgent  letter  was 
sent  by  General  Curtis  to  the  Governor,  which  was 
responded  to  by  that  functionary  in  the  following 
proclamation : 

No.  53. 

STATE  OF  KANSAS,  EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT,  ) 
TOPEKA,  Oct.  8,  1864.      f 

The  State  is  in  peril!  Price  and  his  rebel  hosts 
threaten  it  with  invasion.  Kansas  must  be  ready  to  hurl 
them  back  at  any  cost. 

The  necessity  is  urgent.  The  extent  of  that  necessity 
the  subjoined  communications  from  Major  General  CURTIS 
to  me  will  establish. 

HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  KANSAS,  ) 
FORT  LEAVEN  WORTH,  Oct.  5,  1864.      f 
His  Excellency,  Governor  Thomas  Carney: 

The  rebel  forces  under  Gen.  Price  have  made  a  further 
advance  westward,  crossing  the  Gasconade,  and  are  now  at 

4 


IB4  AEMY    OF   THE   BORDEE. 

the  railroad  bridge  on  the  Osage,  about  fifteen  miles  below 
Jefferson  City.  Large  Federal  forces  about  St.  Louis  and 
below  tend  to  drive  him  towards  Kansas.  Other  motives 
also  will  induce  his  fiendish  followers  to  seek  spoils  and 
vengeance  in  this  State.  To  prevent  this,  and  join  in 
efforts  to  expel  these  invaders  from  the  country,  I  desire 
that  you  will  call  out  the  entire  militia  force,  with  their 
best  arms  and  ammunition,  for  a  period  of  thirty  days. 
Each  man  should  be  provided  with  two  blankets  or  a 
buffalo  robe  for  comfort,  and  a  haversack  for  carrying 
provisions.  No  change  of  clothing  is  necessary.  I  want 
this  force  assembled  on  the  border,  mainly  at  Olathe,  as 
soon  as  possible.  For  that  purpose  let  farmers'  teams,  with 
provisions  and  forage,  be  employed  to  hurry  them  forward. 
I  will  do  all  in  my  power  to  provide  provisions  and  public 
transportation,  but  hope  every  man  will  be  as  self- 
sustaining  as  possible,  and  ready  to  join  me  in  privations, 
hardships  and  dangers  to  aid  our  comrades  in  Missouri  in 
destroying  these  rebel  forces  before  they  again  desolate  the 
fair  fields  of  Kansas.  It  is  necessary  to  suspend  business 
and  labor  until  we  are  assured  our  property  and  earnings 
are  not  within  the  grasp  of  unscrupulous  marauders  and 
murderers. 

Confidently  believing,  Governor,  that  your  Excellency 
and  all  loyal  citizens  will  concert  with  me  in  the  propriety 
of  .this  very  important  demand,  and  give  me  your  hearty 
co-operation  and  assistance.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your 
very  obedient  servant, 

R.  S.  CURTIS, 
Maj.  Gen.  Com'dg  Department. 

UNITED  STATES  MILITARY  TELEGRAPH,  ) 
FORT  LEAVENWORTH,  Oct.  8, 1864.      f 
To  GOVERNOR  CARNEY : 

The  line  is  now  cut  this  side  Sedalia.  This  indicates  a 
rebel  move  by  some  body  west  or  south.  Hurry  the 
militia.  R.  S.  CURTIS,  Maj.  Gen. 

UNITED  STATES  MILITARY  TELEGRAPH, 

FORT  LEAVENWORTH,  Oct.  8,  1864. 
To  GOVERNOR  CARNEY  : 

I  request  that  you  issue  the  call.  Let  the  Militia  turn 
out.  If  not  needed,  they  will  of  course  be  discharged. 
Their  call  and  collection  would  enable  us.  at  least,  to  give 


GENERAL    DEITZLEE    COMMANDS    THE    MILITIA.       35 

an  impetus  to  Price's  departure.  In  your  prompt  responses 
to  my  requests  heretofore,  I  am  sure  we  have  saved  the 
State  from  desolation.  Let  us  do  it  now.  The  enemy  is 
now  near  Sedalia,  and  a  tight  is  expected  there  to-night. 
They  have  burned  Syracuse,  Lamine  and  Otterville  depots 
to-day.  You  see,  they  seem  moving  steadily  westward. 
Delay  is  ruinous.  R.  S.  CURTIS,  Maj.-Gen. 

Kansas,  rally!  You  will  do  so  as  you  have  always 
promptly  done,  when  your  soil  has  been  invaded.  The  call 
this  time  will  come  to  you  louder  and  stronger,  because  you 
know  the  foe  will  seek  to  glut  his  vengeance  upon  you. 

Meet  him,  then,  at  the  threshold  and  strike  boldly ; 
strike  as  one  man  against  him. 

Let  all  business  be  suspended.  The  work  to  be  done 
now  is  to  protect  the  State  against  marauder  and  murderer. 
Until  that  is  accomplished  we  must  lead  a  soldier's  life,  and 
do  a  soldier's  duty. 

Men  of  Kansas,  rally !  One  blow,  one  earnest,  united 
blow,  will  foil  the  invader  and  save  you.  Who  will  falter? 
Who  is  not  ready  to  meet  the  peril  ?  Who  will  not  defend 
his  home  and  the  State  ? 

To  arms,  then  !  To  arms  and  the  tented  field,  until  the 
rebel  foe  shall  be  baffled  and  beaten  back. 

THOMAS  CARNEY,  Governor. 

N.  B. — Major-General  Deitzler  will  lead  the  brave  men 
of  Kansas  and  issue  the  necessary  orders.  Commanding 
officers  of  brigades  and  battalions  will  see  that  their 
respective  commands  are  in  readiness  for  immediate  service. 

THOMAS  CARNEY,  Governor. 

This  was  followed  by  an  order  from  the  General 
in  command  of  the  State  militia,  arranging  the 
places  of  rendezvous,  etc. 

In  pursuance  of  this  call  of  the  Governor,  the  militia  of 
Kansas  will  turn  out  and  rendezvous  immediately,  as 
follows  : 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPT.  KANSAS  STATE  MTLITIA,  ) 
TOPEKA,  KANSAS,  Oct.  9'  1864.      f 
General  Order,  No.  54. 

In  pursuance  of  the  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief,  of 
the  8th  inst.,  the  militia  of  Kansas  will  turn  out  and 
rendezvous,  immediately,  at  the  points  indicated  below : 


36  AKMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

Doniphan,  Brown,  Nemaha  and  Marshall  counties,  at 
Atchison,  under  Brigadier  General  Byron  Sherry. 

Atchison,  Leavenworth,  Jefferson,  Jackson,  Pattawat- 
omie,  Riley,  Davis,  Waubaunsee,  Shawn ee,  Douglas  and 
Johnson  counties,  at  Olathe,  under  Brigadier-General  M. 
S.  Grant. 

Wyandotte,  at  Wyandotte,  under  Major  E.  S.  Hubbard. 

Miami,  Franklin,  Osage,  Morris  and  Lyon  counties,  at 
Paola,  under  Brigadier-General  S.  £T.  Wood. 

Bourbon,  Allen  and  Woodson  counties,  at  Fort  Scott. 

Commanders  of  brigades  and  regiments  will  promptly 
prepare  their  respective  commands  for  active  service  for 
thirty  days,  unless  sooner  discharged,  and  see  that  each 
man  is  supplied  with  two  blankets,  a  tin  cup,  knife  and 
fork,  and  a  haversack  ;  and,  also,  a  coffee  pot  and  frying 
pan  for  every  five  men. 

Let  each  regiment  or  detachment  bring  its  own  trans- 
portation and  all  the  rations  possible,  but  there  must  be  no 
delay  on  any  account.  The  General  Government  will 
undoubtedly  pay  all  proper  charges  for  such  transportation 
and  supplies,  and  will  furnish  rations  and  forage  as  far  and 
as  soon  as  possible,  at  the  points  indicated  in  this  order. 

Let  each  man  come  with  such  arms  as  are  at  hand  and  a 
full  supply  of  ammunition.  As  this  campaign  will  be  a 
short  one,  no  change  of  clothing  will  be  necessary. 

Until  further  orders,  the  head-quarters  of  the  militia  will 
be  at  Olathe,  to  which  point  all  returns  and  communica- 
tions will  be  sent.  By  order  of 

GEO.  W.  DEITZLER, 
Maj.  Gen.,  K.  S.  M. 

JOHN  T.  MOKTON,  A.  A.  G. 

Both  orders  were  embraced  in  one  from,  Depart- 
ment head-quarters,  under  date  of  the  9th,  and 
which  concluded  as  follows  : 

General  Orders,  No.  53. 

All  Federal  Officers  in  this  Department,  will  aid  in  giv- 
ing circulation  and  success  to  this  effort  to  concentrate 
troops  for  immediate  service. 

Quarter-masters  and  Commissaries,  will  aid  to  the  utmost 
of  their  abilities,  to  have  requisite  provisions  accumulated 
as  fast  as  possible. 


GENEKAL   BLUNT    COMMANDS    AT    OLATHE.  37 

An  earnest  and  united  movement  should  animate  officers 
and  men,  volunteers  and  militia. 

Let  business  and  personal  strife  be  suspended  ;  partisan 
discussions  and  political  animosities  be  avoided ;  and 
instead  of  impatience,  fault-finding  and  detraction,  too 
common  among  raw  recruits,  let  every  man  display  the 
fortitude,  patience  and  endurance  which  distinguish  the 
patriotic  soldier  engaged  in  the  defence  of  his  home  and 
iris  country. 

The  sooner  this  call  is  met,  the  more  certain  will  be  its 
success ;  and  the  General  earnestly  appeals  to  soldiers  and 
citizens,  to  unite  all  their  moral  and  physical  energies  in 
this  effort  to  stifle  the  fiendish  hordes  that  again  threaten 
the  people  of  Kansas  and  the  peace  of  our  country. 
By  command  of  Major-General  Curtis, 

C.  S.  CHARLOT, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

The  annexed  dispatch  was  sent  to  General  Sykes, 
and  all  commanding  officers  in  the  State  : 

"  The  Governor  has  called  out  the  entire  militia  of  the 
State.  I  want  this  given  the  widest  circulation  and  the 
most  prompt  action. 

"  S.  K.  CURTIS,  Maj.  Gen." 

The  same  day  reports  were  received  of  the  taking 
of  Lexington,  and  that  Independence  was  threatened. 
This  was  by  conscripting  parties  from  Shelby's 
Division.  Major-General  Blunt,  returned  from  his 
Indian  expedition,  reported  to  head-quarters,  and 
was  ordered  to  Olathe  for  orders,  reporting  his 
arrival  by  telegraph.  Major-General  Sykes'  health 
was  such  that  he  could  not  stand  the  fatigue  of  the 
impending  campaign,  and  even  General  Curtis' 
rendering  it  probable  that  he  too  might  break  down, 
the  necessity  of  a  younger  and  more  active  man  was 
apparent. 


38  AEMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

General  Sykes  not  liking  the  ordeiing  of  General 
Blunt  to  Olathe  for  the  the  purpose  of  field 
operations,  asked  to  be  relieved,  which  was  done, 
and  General  Blunt  was  placed  in  charge  of  that 
district.  He  assumed  command  by  telegraph  upon 
the  llth  inst. 

Captain  Moses,  2d  Colorada,  reported  a  small 
force  threatening  Independence.  Quite  an  excite- 
ment was  created  at  Lawrence  on  the  9th,  which 
was  caused  by  the  accidental  discharge  of  firearms. 
On  the  10th,  the  work  of  fortifying  Leaven  worth 
was  commenced.  It  was  determined  by  General 
Curtis,  in  order  to  secure  unity  of  operation  and 
harmony  in  management  of  the  forces  called  out,  to 
to  proclaim  martial  law  throughout  the  State,  and 
at  the  same  time  call  into  active  service  those  not 
reached  by  the  Governor's  call : 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  KANSAS,  ) 
FORT  LEAVENWORTH,  KANSAS,  Oct.  10,  1864.      ) 
General  Orders,  No.  54. 

The  better  to  carry  out  the  object  of  the  Governor's 
Proclamation,  issued  this  morning,  and  to  secure  prompt 
and  united  military  organization  and  action,  martial  law  is 
proclaimed  to  extend  throughout  the  State  of  Kansas,  and 
the  country  occupied  by  the  troops  moving  therefrom,  and 
all  men,  white  or  black,  between  the  ages  of  eighteen  (18) 
and  sixty  (60),  will  arm  and  attach  themselves  to  some  of 
the  organizations  of  troops,  for  temporary  military  service. 

In  all  the  principal  cities  and  towns,  business  houses  will 
close  as  directed  by  the  Governor's  Proclamation,  except 
where  General  Officers  may  give  leave  to  such  houses  and 
special  establishments  as  may  be  considered  necessary  for 
the  public  subsistence  and  health. 

As  this  order  is  only  designed  to  continue  while  danger 
of  invasion  is  apprehended,  the  proper  functions  of  civil 


39 

officers  will  not  be  disturbed,  and  especially  Courts  of 
Justice  and  their  processes  will  not  be  interrupted  by  the 
military  authorities. 

All  troops,  volunteers  and  militia,  are  clothed  with  the 
powers,  and  are  subject  to  the  duties  and  penalties  pre- 
scribed in  the  Articles  of  War,  and  soldiers  and  citizens 
must  expect  very  summary  punishment  of  crime,  and 
burning,  robbing  and  stealing  in  the  field  will  be  severely 
and  promptly  punished.  Private  property  and  peaceable 
citizens  must  be  protected.  Our  object  is  Price  and  his 
followers.  His  forces  are  now  reported  as  retreating  from 
Jefferson  City  in  this  direction.  My  advance  to  meet  him 
is  already  moving.  Let  troops  of  every  organization  press 
forward  to  join  in  his  repulse  and  pursuit. 

By  command  of  Major  General  Curtis. 

C.  S.  CHAKLOT, 

[OFFICIAL.]  Assistant  Adjutant-General. 

The  same  day  the  latest  received  from  General 
Rosecrans  was  as  follows : 

HEAD-QUAETEKS,  ST.  Louis,  ) 
Oct.  10.      f 

Price's  movements  are  not  known,  but  he  has  avowed 
his  intention  to  go  to  Leavenworth.  If  he  will  try  this,  it 
will  enable  our  columns  under  Mower  and  Smith  and  our 
cavalry  to  get  between  them  and  the  Osage,  and  they 
will  suifer.  They  spread  and  stretch  out  for  subsistence ; 
therefore  your  cavalry  can  forcibly  strike  the  heads  of  their 
columns  and  hurt  and  retard  their  march.  The  telegraph 
lines  are  so  interrupted  it  will  be  difficult  to  communicate 
with  you. 

(Signed)  W.  S.  ROSECKANS, 

Major-General. 

Hon.  Jas.  H.  Lane,  United  States  Senator,  who 
had  for  some  days  been  in  consultation  with  General 
Curtis,  having,  with  his  usual  sagacity,  perceived 
the  great  peril  of  the  State,  now  tendered  his  ser- 
vices, which  were  accepted  in  the  following  order, 
assigning  various  duties  to  officers  who  had  reported 
for  duty : 


40  AEMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  KANSAS,  ) 
FORT  LEAVENWORTH,  KANSAS,  Oct.  10,  1864.      j 

General  Orders,  No.  55. 

The  following  temporary  assignments  to  duty  are  pub- 
lished to  the  command.  They  will  be  obeyed  and 
respected  accordingly. 

I.  Major  F.  E.  Hunt,  Chief  Paymaster,  is  also  appointed 
Acting  Aid-de-Camp,  and  will  take  charge  and  command 
of  all  artillery  in  and  near  the  county  of  Leavenworth, 
consistent   with    the    general    arrangements    of    District 
Commanders,  Generals  Blunt  and  Davies. 

II.  Major  Henry  Almstedt,  in  addition  to  his  duties  as 
Additional  Paymaster,   will  report  to  Major  F.  E.  Hunt 
for  artillery  duty. 

III.  Hon.  Jas.  H.  Lane,  having  tendered  his  services  to 
the   Major-General  Commanding,  they  are  accepted,  and 
he  is  assigned  to  duty  as  Volunteer  Aid-de-Camp. 

IY.  Captain  James  L.  Rafferty,  2nd  Kansas  Colored, 
having  reported  for  duty,  will  take  charge  of  the  general 
organization  and  command  of  persons  of  African  descent ; 
all  of  proper  age  and  ability  are  included  in  the  proclama- 
tion, and  will  be  organized  as  other  troops  for  immediate 
service. 

Y.  Captain  J.  M.  Mentzer,  2nd  Kansas  Volunteers,  cav- 
alry, reports  being  here  en  route  and  unable  to  reach  his 
command.  He  will  report  for  temporary  duty  to  Brigadier- 
General  T.  A.  Davies,  commanding  District  North  Kansas. 

VI.  Rev.  J.  B.  McAfee,  Chaplain  2nd  Kansas  Colored, 
having  reported  for  duty,  will  have  charge  of  Contrabands 
in  the  field,  and  will  also  report  to  Captain  Rafferty  as 
Acting  Adjutant  in  the  organization  of  troops  of  African 
descent.  By  command  of  Major-General  Curtis. 

C.  S.  CHARLOT, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


CHAPTER    V. 

GRAND   UPRISING  OF   THE   PEOPLE   OF  KANSAS. 

NEVER  was  there  heartier  response  to  a  demand  of 
such  a  character,  than  that  of  the  citizens  of  Kansas 
to  the  call  of  the  Federal  and  State  authorities.  In 
the  history  of  the  present  war  no  similar  instance 
occurs.  Rebel  armies  have  invaded  other  loyal  States. 
Twice  have  the  veterans  of  Lee  entered  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania.  The  daring  partisan,  John  Morgan, 
galloped  through  one  half  of  Ohio  and  Indiana. 
Kentucky  has  been  debatable  ground  over  and  over 
again.  Maryland,  like  Missouri,  has  been  fought 
for,  and  over,  by  contending  armies. 

For  four  years  the  people  of  Kansas  had  stood,  a 
wall  of  fire,  round  about  their  border.  Not  only 
sending  more  troops  in  proportion  to  population 
than  other  States,  but  compelled  also,  from  her 
exposed  position,  to  do  duty  at  home ;  a  large  body 
of  her  citizens  have  constantly  been  under  arms  for 
the  protection  of  the  eastern  and  southern  borders. 
The  calls  have  been  frequent — the  danger  often 
5 


42  AEMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

imminent.  Peril  waited  by  every  man's  door,  and 
invasion  was  the  skeleton  at  many  a  farmer's  fireside. 
Every  border  cabin  has  its  tale  of  suffering  and 
sacrifice,  while  the  waste  places  in  Lawrence  yet 
bring  brooding  memories  unto  all.  Nor  was  it  alone 
on  the  East  and  South  that  the  dark  days  of  war- 
fare rested  like  a  thunder  cloud.  Along  the  long 
line  of  sparse  settlements  upon  the  western  frontier 
dwelt  the  haunting  terror  of  hostile  Indians.  For 
months  the  horrors  of  savage  warfare  had  been  added 
to  the  desolation  of  civil  strife,  with  its  worst  con- 
comitants of  guerilla  and  partisan  atrocities.  As 
along  the  eastern  border  the  militia  stood  sentinel  to 
watch  the  murderous  bushwhacker,  so  upon  the 
western  frontier,  the  settler — half  farmer  and  half 
hunter — did  a  ranger's  duty  in  guarding  the  scattered 
cabins  which  were  slowly  feeling  their  way  out  over 
the  plains  and  along  the  valleys,  until  they  could 
clasp  hands  with  the  mountain  settlements. 

Thus  exposed,  and  thus  wearied,  though  still 
prepared,  the  settlers  sprang  to  arms  with  a  won- 
derful unanimity,  which  set  the  nerves  tingling  and 
made  the  blood  run  like  flame.  The  order  flew 
from  one  end  of  the  State  to  the  other.  Each  man 
vied  in  rapidly  communicating  the  imperious  demand. 
Flaming,  like  the  Highlanders'  ancient  symbol — the 
cross  of  fire — the  cry,  "  To  Arms,"  pealed  over  the 
prairies,  along  the  streams,  in  every  workshop,  and 
met  reply  in  every  town  and  hamlet.  The  roads 
were  lined  by  men,  who,  leaving  the  plow  and  plane, 


TURN    OUT    OF   THE    MILITIA.  43 

axe  and  flail,  reaper  and  thresher,  from  every 
quarter  were  pouring  to  the  rendezvous  appointed 
for  the  different  regiments. 

From  the  State  Adjutant-General,  Colonel  C.  K. 
Holliday's  report  is  given  the  following  extracts,  to 
show  officially  that  in  thus  writing  no  overdrawn 
picture  is  presented. 

"  Never  was  appeal  for  help  answered  so  promptly. 
"In  most  instances  on  the  next  day,  or  the  second, 
"  after  the  receipt  of  the  proclamation  at  regimental 
"head-quarters,  the  regiment  itself,  in  full  force, 
"was  on  the  march  for  the  rendezvous  designated 
"  by  the  commanding  general,  and  it  was  only  in 
"exceptional  cases — where  the  regimental  district 
"  embraces  several  counties  in  extent — that  the  third 
"or  fourth  day  was  required  before  the  command 
"  could  take  up  its  line  of  march. 

"But  promptness  alone  was  not  the  only  com- 
"mendable  feature  in  the  movement.  Its  univer- 
"sality  was  equally  marked.  Nor 

"was  this  earnest  enthusiasm  confined  to  those 
"within  military  ages;  but  very  many  outside  of 
"those  ages — under  21  and  over  45 — voluntarily 
"stepped  into  the  ranks,  and  hastened  "to  the 
"front"  with  their  commands.  All  this  occurred 
"  before  there  was  the  remotest  intimation  that  the 
"services  of  those  outside  the  military  ages  would 
"  be  required." 

Colonel  Holliday  proceeds,  after  referring  to  the 
call  under  the  proclamation  of  martial  law : 


44  AEMY   OF   THE   BOEDER. 

"No  where,  at  no  time,  and  under  no  circum- 
"  stances,  has  such  an  uprising  been  witnessed.  It 
"  was  widespread  and  complete.  It  was  as  thorough 
"  as  there  was  material  out  of  which  it  could  be 
"  composed :  as  extensive  as  the  limits  of  the 
"  population  among  whom  it  took  place." 

The  following  tables  show  the  number  of  regi- 
ments reporting  for  active  service ;  their  command- 
ing officers ;  the  counties  to  which  they  belonged ; 
the  number  of  effective  men  in  each ;  the  places  of 
general  rendezvous,  and  the  general  officers  under 
whose  direction  they  were : 

COMMAND   OF   BRIGADIER-GEK  M.  S.  GRANT. 


NO.  OF 

BEG'T. 

COMMANDING  OFFICER. 

COUNTY. 

NO.  OF 
MEN. 

RENDEZVOUS. 

1st, 

Col.  C.  H.  Robinson, 

Leavenworth, 

503 

Olathe. 

2nd, 

G.  W.  Veale, 

Shawnee, 

561 

H 

3d, 

Chas.  Willemson, 

Douglas. 

643 

it 

4th, 

W.  D.  McCain, 

Jefferson, 

777 

M 

7th, 

Peter  McFarland. 

Leavenworth, 

705 

ct 

12th, 

L.  S.  Treat, 

Atchison, 

460 

• 

13th, 

J.  A.  Keeler, 

Johnson, 

400 

it 

14th, 

J.  M.  Harvey, 

Riley,  Waub'sa,  &c. 

560 

M 

15th,* 

J.  T.  Price, 

Davis,     Dickinson, 
Salina,  &c. 

400 

({ 

18th, 

Matthew  Quigg, 

Atchison, 

400 

M 

19th, 

A.  C.  Hogan, 

Leavenworth, 

548 

tc 

20th, 

J.  B.  Hubbell, 

Jackson, 

340 

H 

21st, 

Sandy  Lowe, 

Douglas, 

519 

« 

6816 

*  Of  this  force  the  15th  Regiment  was,  by  order  of  Colonel  Holliday, 
retained  at  Fort  Riley ;  the  7th  was  stationed  at  Leavenworth  City  and 
Fort,  until  the  22d,  when  they  were  sent  to  the  front.  Other  small 
detachments  were  detained  at  Lawrence,  and  Topeka.  The  duty  of  gar- 
risoning, in  the  main  devolved  upon  those  called  out  by  the  order  of  the 
Department  Commander.  At  Leavenworth  City  some  fifteen  hundred 
were  thus  organized.  Four  full  companies  of  able  bodied  negroes  were 
organized  there,  and  stationed  at  the  Fort  until  the  21st,  when  they  also 
moved  to  the  front.  One  company  was  retained,  composed  of  exempts. 
They  were  under  command  of  their  own  officers. 


THEIR   RENDEZVOUS. 


45 


The  following  force  assembled  at  Atchison,  under 
BRIGADIER  GENERAL  SHERRY: 


NO    OP 

NO    OF 

COMMANDING  OFFICER. 

COUNTT. 

RENDEZVOUS 

MEN. 

9th, 

Col.  Frank  M.  Tracy. 

Doniphan, 

554 

Atchison, 

17th,* 

"   E.  C.  Manning, 

Marshall,  Washing- 
ton,Republic,Clay. 



u 

22d, 

"    Jas.  P.  Taylor, 

Nemaha, 

400 

H 

Ind'pt 
Bat'n. 

"    J.  A.  Pope, 

Brown, 

200 

(( 

1154 

The  Border  counties  were  ordered  to  assemble  at 
Paola,  under  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FISHBACK. 


NO.  OF 

REG'T. 

COMMANDING  OFFICER. 

COUNTY. 

NO.  OF 
MEN. 

RENDEZVOUS 

5th, 
10th, 

llth 
Ind'pt 
Bat'n. 

Col.  G.  A.  Colton, 
"    Wm.  Pennock, 
"    A.  J.  Mitchell, 
Lt.  Col.  M.  M.  Murdoch, 

Miami, 
Franklin   and  An- 
derson, 
Lyon, 

Osage, 

471 
751 
800 
250 

Paola, 
Paola  and 
Mound  City. 
Paola, 

H 

1772 

The  Anderson  County  Battalion  of  this  regiment, 
assembled  at  Mound  City,  as  being  more  convenient 
than  Paola,  but  soon  after  joined  the  regiment,  and 
with  it  moved  into  Missouri. 

At  Mound  City  assembled  the  following  regi- 
ments, who  were  ordered  to  report  to  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral S.  N.  Wood.  General  Wood,  however,  failed 
to  report  for  duty. 

*  The  17th  Regiment,  Colonel  Manning,  was  the  only  organization 
which  did  not  respond  to  the  calls.  They  presented  a  reasonable  excuse 
in  the  fact  of  the  exposure  of  their  section  to  Indian  attacks.  The  rule 
which  governed  the  State  Adjutant  General,  in  directing  the  15th  Regi- 
ment (Colonel  Price),  to  remain  at  Fort  Riley,  would  have  applied 
to  the  17th. 


46 


AKMY    OF   THE   BOBDEE. 


NO.  OF 

REG'T. 

COMMANDING  OFFICER. 

COUNTY. 

NO.  OF 
MEN. 

RENDEZVOUS 

6th, 
16th, 

Lt.  Col.  J.  L.  Snoddy, 
Col.  F.  W.  Potter, 

Linn. 
Coffey,  "Woodson. 

530 
560 

Mound  City. 

1090 

At  Fort  Scott,  the  militia  were  under  BEIGADIEE 
GENEEAL  J.  B.  SCOTT. 


NO.  OF 

REG'T. 

COMMANDING  OFFICER. 

COUNTY. 

NO.  OF 

MEN. 

RENDEZVOUS 

24th, 
Bat'n, 

u 

Col.  J.  Stadden, 
Lt.  Col.  Eves, 
Col.  C.  P.  Twiss, 

Bourbon, 
Allen, 

500 
350 
200 

Fort  Scott. 

u 
u 

1050 

The  22nd  Kegiment  (Wyandotte  county)  rendez- 
voused at  Wyandotte  City,  five  hundred  and  fifty 
strong.  It  reported  to  Major  E.  S.  Hubbard. 
Win.  Weer,  late  Colonel  of  the  10th  Kansas  Volun- 
teers, was  elected  Colonel  and  commissioned  by  the 
Governor. 

To  recapitulate:    the  force  assembled  at  Olathe 

was,  -  6,816 

That  at  Atchison,  -        -  -     1,154 

"      Paola,  -  ...         1,872 

"     Mound  City, 1,180 

"     Fort  Scott,  .....        1,050 
"     Wyandotte, 550 


Total,       -         -        -  12,622 

These  are  the  figures  of  the  Adjutant-General's 
report.  Out  of  the  Olathe  force  must  be  deducted 
from  those  actually  at  the  front,  the  7th  and  15th 


TOTAL    MILITIA   FOKCE.  47 

Regiments,  (the  former  being  on  important  service 
at  Leaven  worth,  and  reaching  Westport  on  the  even- 
ing after  the  battle  that  saved  Kansas  was  over ;  and 

o  ' 

the  latter  being  on  duty  at  Fort  Riley,)  a  force  of 
1,105;  thus  leaving  a  force  under  Grant  of  5,715,  of 
whom  4,500  crossed  the  Missomi  line,  and  the  others 
were  garrisoning  posts  in  the  State. 

At  Paola,  the  llth  and  16th  Regiments  were 
retained.  Both  took  active  part  in  the  flanking 
movement  of  the  2nd  Brigade.  At  Fort  Scott, 
Colonel  Stadden  with  the  24th  Regiment,  exempts 
and  negroes,  did  garrison  duty.  Of  the  12,622  of 
the  enrolled  militia,  at  least  10,000  were  concentrated 
south  of  the  Kansas  River,  in  the  section  threatened 
by  the  invading  army,  along  the  line  of  its  march 
in  the  battles  against  and  in  pursuit  of  its  retreating 
columns.  Yet  the  force  in  the  field  under  the  calls 
of  the  Federal  and  State  authorities  was  actually 
larger  than  these  figures  show.  Some  further 
extracts  from  Colonel  Holliday's  report  will  show 
this,  and  the  reasons  therefor : 

"  Portions  of  some  of  the  foregoing  regiments 
;'  were  detailed  for  special  duty  at  several  points  in 
"  the  State ;  such  as  Leavenworth,  Lawrence,  Topeka, 
"  <fec.,  which  number  thus  detailed,  together  with  the 
"  old  and  young  men,  and  the  colored  troops  organ- 
"  ized  under  the  martial  law  proclamation,  are  not 
"  included  in  the  above  exhibit,  and  would  probably 
"  swell  the  count  by  several  thousands.  These  latter 
"  troops  were  generally  organized  at  their  local  ren 


48  ARMY    OF    THE   BOEDER. 

"  dezvous,  and  were  held  in  readiness  to  march  to 
"any  point  that  emergencies  might  require.  The 
"whole  number  who  thus  responded  for  active 
"  service  exceeded  16,000,  or  a  larger  number  than 
"  appears  upon  the  returns  of  the  enrolled  military 
"  forwarded  to  this  office." 

The  general  disposition  of  the  militia,  so  far  as  the 
points  of  rendezvous  were  concerned,  was  wisely 
arranged.  Modifications  had  afterwards  to  be  made. 
These  will  be  given  in  the  course  of  the  narrative. 


CHAPTEK    VI. 


AFFAIES  IN  THE  CITY  AND  AT  FOKT  LEAVENWOETH. 

THE  excitement  in  Leavenworth  was  naturally 
greater  than  elsewhere  in  the  State.  That  city  had 
larger  interests  at  stake ;  while  the  proximity  of  the 
Fort,  with  its  immense  stores  of  all  kinds,  rendered 
it  certain  that  its  possession  was  Price's  main  aim. 
The  total  cessation  of  business,  the  departure  to  the 
scene  of  action  of  so  many  of  its  citizens,  the  rigidity 
of  martial  law,  and  the  manner  of  its  enforcement, 
rendered  the  period  during  which  the  city  was 
threatened  one  of  the  most  intense  interest. 

The  1st  Regiment,  Kansas  State  Militia,  Colonel 
Charles  Robinson  commanding,  was  among  the  first 
to  respond  to  the  Governor's  call,  and  was,  on  the 
second  day  thereafter,  marched  to  Olathe,  the  place 
of  general  rendezvous.  With  it  went  the  Leaven- 
worth  Battery,  manned  by  a  company  of  the  most 
respected  German  citizens.  Another  regiment,  the 
19th  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Colonel  Hogan, 
followed,  leaving  on  the  llth,  and  reaching  Olathe 
6 


50  AEMY    OF    THE   BOEDER. 

the  same  evening.  It  was  soon  afterwards  ordered 
to  the  front,  and  until  after  the  battle  of  Westport, 
when  it  returned  home,  was  among  the  most  efficient. 

A  battery  was  organized,  with  guns  from  the 
United  States  Arsenal,  which  was  manned  by  a 
company  commanded  by  Captain  Zeesch,  a  German 
merchant  of  the  city,  who  had  seen  service.  After 
doing  duty  in  the  protection  of  the  city,  the  battery 
was  ordered  to  the  front,  and  participated  in  the 
movements  upon  the  Big  Blue,  and  in  the  severe 
battle  of  the  23rd  near  Westport. 

The  7th  Regiment,  Kansas  State  Infantry,  Colonel 
Peter  McFarland,  was  left  as  garrison,  in  conjunction 
with  several  companies  of  exempts  and  a  battalion 
of  colored  men. 

The  7th  did  their  whole  duty.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hershfield  thereof,  was,  by  order  of  General 
Davies,  placed  in  command  of  the  post  of  Leaven- 
worth.  The  city  had  been  declared  such  by  orders 
from  District  head-quarters.  This  gentleman,  one  of 
the  most  popular  and  active  business  men  of  the  city, 
threw  himself  into  the  work  of  appreciating  the 
crisis.  He  showed  a  rare  aptitude  and  energy,  and 
was  a  most  efficient  co-worker  with  the  regular 
military  authorities.  The  position  of  Post-Com- 
mander was  no  enviable  one,  nor  was  it  rendered 
more  inviting  by  the  annoyance  produced  through 
efforts  to  evade  the  military  duties  imposed  upon  all 
alike.  Colonel  Hershfield's  tact,  as  well  as  firmness, 
tided  him  over  these  difficulties,  and  he  won  general 


POLITICAL   EXCITEMENT.  51 

esteem  by  his  course.  A  long  line  of  rifle-pits  and 
earthworks  on  the  south  and  east  sides  of  the  city 
were  rapidly  completed.  All  were  alike  compelled 
to  take  their  share  in  the  common  labor.  Much 
amusement  was  created  by  the  organization  of  the 
"  Sneak  Company,"  under  Captain  Pendry,  a  well- 
known  lawyer.  The  negroes  who  were  not  already 
on  duty  in  Camp  Sully,  at  the  Fort,  were  organized 
as  "The  Iron-Clads,"  under  Captain  Harvey 
Edgerton.  A  strict  system  of  Pickets,  Provost 
Guards  and  Patrols  was  arranged  and  maintained 
with  the  utmost  diligence.  Fears  were  entertained 
of  an  attempt  to  cross  the  river  by  the  rebel  brigade 
under  General  Clarke,  known  to  have  crossed  into 
North  Missouri.  The  "  Veteran  Scouts,"  a  company 
of  discharged  soldiers,  were  charged  with  the  duty  of 
patroling  the  river  banks.  Upon  the  bluffs,  south  of 
the  city,  were  planted  some  heavy  siege  guns,  sixty- 
pounders,  brought  from  the  Fort  for  that  purpose. 
The  wild  excitement,  produced  by  the  wilder 
reports  and  rumors  constantly  in  circulation,  kept 
the  public  pulse  to  fever  heat.  Every  man  who 
returned  from  the  front  brought  fuel  for  this  restless 
flame.  The  intense  political  excitement,  which  this 
necessity  found  in  the  State,  added  much  to  the 
difficulties  of  the  occasion.  Partizan  prejudices 
strengthened  the  natural  dislike  of  business  men  to 
service  such  as  they  were  now  compelled  to  perform. 
One  of  the  city  papers  added  to  this  feeling,  by 
making  it  appear  that  there  was  no  necessity  for 


52  AEMY   OF   THE    BORDEE. 

martial  law ;  that  Price  was  moving  to  the  south- 
west ;  and  that  it  was  only  sought  to  use  the  people 
for  political  purposes.  These  things  caused  dissat- 
isfaction, both  in  the  city  and  among  its  militia  then 
upon  the  border. 

Up  to  the  20th  of  October,  nothing  definite  had 
been  known  of  the  enemy's  whereabouts.  At  that 
date  dispatches  were  received  announcing  the  fight  of 
General  Blunt,  at  Lexington,  with  the  entire  rebel 
army.  It  thus  became  apparent  that  Price  was 
advancing  westward,  and  the  wise  forecast  of  Gen- 
eral Curtis,  in  organizing  the  militia,  was  made 
evident.  Before  this,  owing  to  the  political  excite- 
ment, a  great  diversity  existed  as  to  the  necessities 
of  the  case,  and  many  were  induced  to  denounce  the 
Department  Commander  and  his  co-adjutors.  The 
effect  of  General  Deitzler's  dispatch  was  immediate. 
The  sense  of  danger  was  realized,  and  all  went  to 
work  with  a  will.  Troops  were  immediately  relieved 
from  duty  in  the  city  and  defences,  and  ordered  to 
report  daily  at  their  different  head-quarters,  ready 
for  an  immediate  movement. 

On  the  succeeding  day  (Friday  21st),  dispatches 
were  received  from  Generals  Curtis  and  Deitzler, 
announcing  the  battle  of  Little  Blue,  and  the  falling 
back  of  the  troops  to  the  line  of  Big  Blue,  six  miles 
east  of  Kansas  City.  These  filled  all  with  dread. 
Words  fail  in  painting  the  gloomy  uncertainty. 
Over  the  thousands  of  homes,  from  each  of  which 
some  loved  one  had  gone  forth  at  the  call  of  duty, 


ACTIVITY    AT   FOBT   LEAVENWORTH.  53 

hung  sadness  and  fearful  anxiety.  But,  impressed 
by  the  urgency,  one  common  purpose  now  animated 
old  and  young.  * 

The  Governor  telegraphed  the  following  order  : 

IN  THE  FIELD,  BIG  BLUE,  ) 

October  21,  1864.      j 

To  COLONEL  R.  N.  HERSHFIELD,  Commanding  Post : 

Send  all  deserters  back  to  their  commands  at  once.  All 
that  have  left  without  leave  must  return.  Now  is  the  time 
for  every  Kansan  to  do  his  duty.  Let  no  man  hesitate. 
Price  is  upon  us.  Now  is  the  time  to  save  our  homes  and 
assist  our  comrades. 

THOMAS  CARNEY, 
Governor  and  Commander-in-Chief. 

An  order  was  issued  and  rigorously  enforced, 
directing  the  impressment  of  all  males,  between 
fifteen  and  sixty,  who  we  re  not  already  in  service. 
Other  measures  were  taken,  adapted  to  the  emer- 
gency. The  7th  Regiment,  the  Veteran  Scouts,  and 
Captain  Zeech's  Battery  left  for  Kansas  City.  The 
Steamers  Benton  and  Tom  Morgan  were  used  as 
transports.  The.  Morgan  was  used  to  patrol  the 
river.  Officers  had  arrived  from  General  Curtis' 
Head-Quarters,  to  aid  in  the  rapid  forwarding  of 
troops.  At  the  Fort,  the  utmost  activity  was  dis- 
played. At  District  Head-Quarters,  General  Davis, 
and  his  efficient  Adjutant,  worked  energetically. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Stark,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  Captain  John 
Williams,  A.  A.  G.,  were  in  charge  of  Department 
Head-Quarters,  and  worked  night  and  day  to  meet 
the  emergency.  While  their  associates  were  at  the 
front,  in  the  position  most  dear  to  the  soldier,  these 


54       .  ABMY   OF   THE   BOEDER. 

officers  and  others,  were  filling  no  less  important  and 
laborious  positions  at  home.  Captain  Hodges, 
Depot  Quarter-Master,  was  untiring;  the  veteran 
Paymaster,  Major  Hunt,  Captain  McNult,  Ordnance 
Officer,  in  charge  of  the  Arsenal,  Colonel  Werter  R. 
Davis,  Post-Commandant,  all  did  their  whole  duty. 
Large  amounts  of  ordnance  stores  were  forwarded ; 
transportation  promptly  supplied;  militia  were 
armed.  The  "  Iron  Clad  Battalion"  had  already  left 
under  Captain  Rafferty.  A  detachment  of  Light 
Artillery  (colored),  just  recruited,  had  been  sent  with 
two  guns,  Parrots,  under  command  of  Second  Lieu- 
tenant P.  H.  Minor,  (colored). 

In  the  city,  an  impromptu  gathering  was  held  for 
counsel.  Major  Heath,  Provost  Marshal  General  of 
the  Department,  who  had  just  returned  from  St. 
Louis,  urged  the  calling  of  the  citizens  together  for 
the  better  placing  of  the  emergency  before  them. 
This  was  immediately  done.  The  bells  were  rung, 
the  cannon  fired,  and  soon  they  rallied  in  front  of 
the  Market  House.  The  meeting  was  addressed  in 
stirring  appeals  by  Judge  Sears,  Dr.  King,  Major 
H.  H.  Heath,  and  other  gentlemen.  At  the  first 
sound  of  the  bells  and  cannon,  wild  anxiety  was 
aroused  in  the  city.  Few  were  acquainted  with  the 
object,  and  reports  of  a  rebel  force  threatening  to 
cross  the  liver,  or  advancing  from  the  South,  spread 
like  wildfire.  The  real  purpose  of  the  alarm, 
however,  was  soon  known. 

Two  days  passed,  and  the  sound  of  battle  at  Big 


END    OF   EXCITEMENT.  55 

Blue  and  Westport,  could  be  distinctly  heard.  The 
wires  were  in  constant  use,  and  the  most  exciting 
reports  reached  the  city.  It  was  known  on  Saturday 
night  that  our  lines  had  been  forced,  and  that  the 
right  and  centre  were  falling  back.  Sunday  morn- 
ing came,  and  with  it  the  certainty  of  a  decisive 
engagement.  The  hours  seemed  ages.  From 
Kansas  City  were  sent  constant  bulletins,  and  the 
varying  fortunes  of  that  morning  met  as  varying 
emotions  in  the  streets  of  Leavenworth.  At  last,, 
as  the  afternoon  waned,  came  news  of  victory,  and. 
later,  the  certainty  thereof,  in  the  order  abolishing 
martial  law  north  of  the  Kansas  River. 

Thus  ended  the  excitement  and  anxiety  con- 
sequent upon  the  imminent  danger  in  which 
Leavenworth  had  been  placed.  When  all  did  so 
well,  it  would  be  invidious  to  distinguish  individuals ; 
but  too  much  praise  cannot  be  accorded  to  the  ladies 
of  the  city,  who  organized  relief  and  aid  societies, 
worked  unremittingly  to  relieve  the  distress  among 
the  poorer  classes,  occasioned  by  the  stoppage 
of  work  and  the  absence  of  the  men  in  the  field, 
and  by  the  preparation  of  supplies  for  the  sick  and 
wounded. 

Thus  has  it  ever  been.  The  annals  of  war  are 
gilded  by  the  devotion  of  the  women  of  the  land, 
who,  shut  out  from  sterner  duties,  have  filled  their 
lives  with  sacrifice,  and  gone  out,  blessing  and 
cheering,  making  beautiful  its  dreary  ways  with  the 
light  of  charity,  and  the  glory  of  inspiring  devotion. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

GENERALS     CUETIS    AND    BLUNT   TAKE   THE   FIELD— 
OEGANIZATION   OF   TEOOPS. 

MAJOE-GENEEAL  BLUNT  assumed  command  on  the 
10th  inst.,  and  telegraphed  to  head-quarters  suggest- 
ing the  concentration  o£  all  available  force  at 
Olathe  and  Paola.  Not  believing  that  Price  would 
attempt  to  cross  the  Kansas  River,  he  deemed  it 
more  likely  that  he  would  strike  as  far  up  on  the 
south  side  as  possible.  A  concentration  would  meet 
this,  while  a  forward  movement  into  Missouri  would 
enable  us  to  strike  his  right  flank,  and  if  he  turned 
southward,  join  the  pursuit.  These  views  were  also 
those  of  General  Curtis.  Orders  had  been  received 
from  General  Halleck  directing  the  concentration 
of  troops  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Scott,  under  the 
supposition  that  Price  would  be  turned  south  before 
reaching  Lexington. 

General  Curtis  made  every  preparation,  previous 
to  taking  the  field  in  person.  Such  reports  and 
dispatches  from  General  Rosecrans,  Colonel  Ford, 


EEPOET   FEOM    COL.    TOED.  57 

etc.,  as  would,  without  injury  to  the  service,  arouse 
the  people  to  a  sense  of  their  danger,  were  published 
by  his  orders.  The  movements  of  the  2d  Colorado 
Cavalry  were  then  of  the  utmost  importance.  The 
following  dispatches  show  its  position : 

HEAD-QUAKTERS,  2ND  COLORADO  CAVALRY,  [ 
HICKMAN'S  MILLS,  Oct.  12,  1864.      ) 

Major- General  S.  It.  Curtis,  Commanding  Department  of 
Kansas,  Olathe,  Kansas  : 

I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  at  ten  o'clock  P.  M., 
yesterday,  I  left  Pleasant  Hill  for  this  place,  reaching  here 
just  before  daylight.  My  reasons  for  this  move  were,  that 
from  all  I  could  learn  of  Price's  movements,  he  evidently 
means  to  strike  north  of  Pleasant  Hill,  probably  between 
there  and  Independence,  leaving  me  in  danger  of  being 
cut  off  from  your  main  command.  *  *  I  was 

over  thirty  miles  from  your  main  army,  and  part  of  the 
country  between  dangerous  for  small  parties  to  travel 
through.  At  this  place  I  am  only  six  miles  from  Oxford, 
on  the  Kansas  line,  sixteen  from  Pleasant  Hill,  fourteen 
from  Independence,  and  thirteen  from  Kansas  City  ;  and 
moreover  on  the  route  Price  must  come  on  account  of 
water  and  forage,  which  in  this  vicinity  are  plenty.  An- 
other reason  for  thinking  that  Price  will  come  this  way  is 
that  guerillas  have  told  some  of  their  friends  that  they 
have  positive  orders  from  Price  not  to  destroy  any  forage 
in  this  neighborhood.  *  *  When  I  left  Pleasant 

Hill,  I  sent  Captain  Green,  with  one  hundred  men,  north 
and  north-east,  to  scout  well  Cedar  Creek  and  the  Little 
Blue,  reaching  this  place  by  way  of  Raytown.  He  arrived 
about  noon  to-day.  He  had  >seen  no  fresh  signs  of  any 
large  body  of  guerillas,  though  he  could  hear  of  occasional 
small  bodies  ot  five  or  six  in  a  gang.  He  ascertained  that 
it  was  their  intention  to  capture  this  place  from  the  citizen 
militia  to-night,  taking  their  arms  from  them,  but  not 
destroying  any  forage.  I  have  sent  Captain  Elmore  and 
fifty  men  towards  Pleasant  Hill  to-day,  Lieutenant  Keith, 
with  fifty  men  east  and  north-east,  and  Company  "D." 
(forty  men)  to  Independence,  all  to  return  to-night.  I 
propose  to  keep  Captain  Moses  and  his  two  companies  at 

7 


58  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

Independence  for  the  time  being,  as  an  extreme  outpost, 
to  be  ready  to  move  in  a  minute,  and,  as  I  am  now  in  his 


obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  JAS.  H.  FORD, 

Colonel  2nd  Colorado  Cavalry,  Commanding. 

Colonel  Thomas  Moonlight  was  directed  to  place 
himself  in  communication  with  Colonel  Ford. 

On  the  llth,  General  Curtis  proceeded  to  Olathe, 
accompanied  by  the  following  members  of  his  staff: 
Major  C.  S.  Chariot,  A.  A.  G. ;  Major  T.  J. 
McKenny,  Additional  A.  D.  C. ;  and  Major  E.  H. 
Hunt,  15th  Kansas,  Chief  of  Artillery.  Captain 
Meeker,  Lieutenant  Fitch,  U.  S.  Signal  Corps,  and 
Lieutenant  Hubbard,  A.  S.  O.,  were  also  in  attend- 
ance with  their  command.  Honorable  James  H. 
Lane,  Volunteer  Aide-de-Camp,  accompanied  the 
General.  Honorable  S.  C.  Pomeroy  and  Colonel  W. 
H.  Roberts,  Volunteer  Aides,  reported  on  the  15th. 

For  the  purpose  of  obtaining  wood  and  water,  the 
rendezvous  was  changed  to  Shawnee  Town,  still 
nearer  the  State  line.  General  Blunt  was  ordered 
to  Hicknian's  Mills,  Missouri.  General  George  W. 
Deitzler,  commanding  the  State  militia,  reported  at 
Olathe  that  evening,  and  regiments  from  Leaven- 
worth,  Lawrence  and  contiguous  districts,  arrived. 
Every  disposition  was  made  for  the  prompt  organiza- 
tion and  equipment  of  these  forces.  The  1st,  2nd,  3rd, 
4th,  13th,  14th,  19th,  20th,  21st  and  22nd  Regiments, 
Kansas  State  Militia,  arrived  during  the  three  next 


AERIVAL    OF   MILITIA.  59 

days.  General  Grant  was  very  active  in  discharge 
of  his  duties.  A  depot  for  ordnance,  subsistence 
and  quartermaster  stores  was  established  at  Wyan- 
dotte.  The  23rd  Regiment,  Colonel  William  Weer, 
was  stationed  there ;  Major  Hubbard  being  in 
command  of  the  post.  The  cavalry  portions  of  the 
2nd  and  3rd  Eegiments  were  consolidated  into  one 
command,  under  Colonel  George  W.  Yeale,  2nd 
Regiment.  The  infantry  were  placed  under  Colonel 
Williamson,  of  the  3rd.  A  portion  of  the  Topeka 
Battery,  under  Captain  Handley,  with  a  twenty-four 
pound  howitzer,  was  also  attached  to  Colonel 
Veale's  command,  whose  experience  as  Major  of  the 
6th  Kansas  Cavalry  was  deemed  of  value.  Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Abernathy,  formerly  of  the  8th  Kansas, 
acted  as  Chief-of-Staff  to  General  Grant.  General 
Deitzler's  Staff  was  announced:  Chief,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  O.  E.  Leonard ;  Cavalry,  Lieut.-Col.  A  .W. 
Spicer,  (both,  formerly  of  the  1st  Kansas) ;  Adjutant, 
Major  John  T.  Morton ;  Quartermaster,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  William  Rosenthall ;  Engineer,  Major  L.  E. 
Wilmarth;  Judge  Advocate,  Major  John  J.  Ingalls; 
Paymaster,  Major  Charles  Chadwick  ;  and  as  Aides, 
Lieutenant- Colonel  William  Crawford,  Majors  E.  G. 
Moore,  A.  R.  Banks,  and  A.  S.  Hughes. 

General  Grant's  command  was  moved  forward  to 
Turkey  Creek,  beyond  Shawnee.  A  dispatch  was 
received  on  the  13th,  announcing  General  Rosecrans 
as  having  taken  the  field.  Shelby  was  reported  in 
Howard  and  Randolph  Counties,  with  four  thousand 


60  AEMY   OF  THE   BOKDEK. 

men.  Springfield  not  disturbed.  Pleasanton  at 
Jefferson  City.  Rebels  reported  moving  on  the 
North  Missouri  Road ;  also  Standwaite,  near  Hum- 
boldt,  Kansas.  Price  was  moving  on  the  George- 
town and  Booneville  Road ;  Sanborn  six  miles 
from  the  latter  point,  which  Shelby  occupied.  The 
statements  in  relation  to  North  Missouri  and 
Standwaite,  were  deemed  and  proved  untrue. 
General  Curtis  directed  that  the  militia  (being 
without  uniform)  should  wear  as  a  distinctive  badge, 
a  piece  of  red  material  of  some  kind.  Most  of  the 
men  found  badges  in  the  scarlet  leaves  of  the 
Sumach,  which  at  this  season  flamed  along  the  creeks 
and  on  the  prairie's  edge.  Nicknames  are  always 
plenty  wherever  men  assemble.  They  learned  to 
good  humoredly  designate  themselves  as  "  Kansas 
Tads,"  or  "The  Sumach  Millish."  The  staff  officers 
were  employed  on  the  work  of  Inspection.  General 
Lane,  Senator  Pomeroy,  Col.  Roberts,  of  the  Vol- 
unteer Staff,  with  Major  McKenny,  attended  to  this 
duty,  visiting  Wyandotte,  Shawneetown,  Hickman's 
Mills,  Kansas  City  and  Independence.  Major  Hunt 
hurried  forward  the  ordnance  stores  and  amuni- 
tion  with  great  activity.  Lieutenant  Fitch,  of  the 
Signal  Corps,  was  detailed  as  Quarter-Master. 

At  daylight  of  the  14th,  Major  General  Blunt 
moved  from  Paola  towards  Hickman's  Mills,  Mo. 
He  took  with  him  the  llth  Kansas  Cavalry,  Colonel 
Thomas  Moonlight,  Commanding;  Company  "L," 
5th  Kansas  Cavalry,  Captain  Young;  Company 


FOEWAED   MOVEMENTS.  61 

"A,"  Captain  Ames,  16th  Kansas;  the  Independent 
Battery,  Colorado  Volunteers,  Captain  George 
McLain ;  and  a  portion  of  the  5th  (Colonel  G.  A. 
Colton),  and  10th  Regiments  (Colonel  Wm.  Pen- 
nick),  K.  S.  M.  These  troops  were  all  mounted. 

On  the  15th,  Colonel  Jennison  arrived  from 
Mound  City,  with  the  15th  Kansas  Cavalry  ;  Colonel 
C.  W.  Blair,  14th  Kansas,  from  Fort  Scott,  with  a 
battalion  of  the  3rd  Wisconsin  Cavalry — portions  of 
Companies  "A,"  "  C,"  "  D,"  "  F"  and  "M,"— under 
Captain  Carpenter,  Company  "  A ;"  also  Companies 
"D,"  "E"  and  "  L,"  14th  Kansas  Cavalry ;  Cora- 
pany  "D,"  Captain  Kendall,  16th  Kansas,  and  the 
right  section  of  the  2d  Battery,  Kansas  Volunteers, 
Lieutenant  Knowles.  Captain  Geo.  J.  Clark,  Ord- 
nance Officer,  accompanied  Colonel  Blair,  with  ammu- 
nition train,  and  four  mountain-howitzers — twelve- 
pounders — in  charge  of  Lieutenant  William  B. 
Clark,  Company  "  E,"  14th  Kansas  Cavalry,  with 
sixty  men  of  his  company.  These  troops  had  been 
directed  to  join,  by  forced  marches.  With  Colonel 
Blair,  were  a  battalion  of  militia  (mounted)  from 
Bourbon  County,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel,  G.  P. 
Eves,  and  a  Company  of  Scouts,  under  Captain 
John  Wilson.  The  6th  Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Snoddy,  also  reported.  The  entire 
force  numbered  about  forty-two  hundred  men,  with 
eight  Parrot  guns,  and  nine  mountain-howitzers,  the 
latter  attached  to  the  Cavalry. 

Major  Smith,  2d  Colorado  Cavalry,  who  had  been 


62  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

sent  by  Colonel  Ford  to  Independence,  returned, 
reporting  a  force  under  Colonel  Page,  1,200  strong, 
within  a  short  distance  of  that  place.  He  was  again 
sent  out  after  dark,  with  two  hundred  men,  to 
reconnoitre.  No  other  information  was  received. 
Active  scouting  was  maintained  to  the  East  and 
South-East,  but  no  evidence  of  rebel  advance  in  force 
visible.  In  Henry  County  stragglers  were  seen,  sup- 
posed to  be  men  on  furlough,  visiting  their  homes. 
Advices  from  St.  Louis,  located  Price's  columns  at 
or  near  Booneville,  during  this  period  of  suspense. 
The  cavalry  belonging  to  the  Districts  of  Generals 
McNeil,  Sanborn,  Brown  and  Fisk,  were  hanging 
on  his  rear  under  General  Pleasanton.  Colonel 
Winslow's  Brigade  of  the  17th  Army  Corps,  Gen- 
eral A.  J.  Smith,  joined  the  pursuit. 

General  Curtis  having  determined  on  a  forward 
movement  into  Missouri,  arranged  his  forces  in  two 
divisions ;  the  main  body  of  the  militia,  under 
Major-General  Deitzler,  constituting  the  Left  wing,  to 
move  from  Shawneetown  towards  Lexington,  by 
way  of  Independence.  The  right  wing,  under 
Major-General  Blunt,  consisting  of  the  Volunteer 
Cavalry  and  the  Southern  Border  Militia,  to  move 
by  way  of  Warrensburg. 

The  successful  execution  of  this  plan  was  frus- 
trated by  the  opposition  manifested  by  the  militia 
to  crossing  the  State  line.  A  portion  of  the  Cavalry 
Brigade  organized  by  General  Grant,  consisting  of 
the  19th  and  4th,  were  directed  to  report  to  Colonel 


ORGANIZATION   OF   FIRST    DIVISION.  63 

Ford  at  Independence.  On  reaching  the  State  line 
at  Oxford,  a  part  of  the  19th  refused  to  cross, 
declaring  that  there  was  no  power  to  compel  them. 
They  were  appealed  to  by  Generals  Deitzler  and 
Grant.  The  4th  Regiment,  Colonel  McCain,  crossed 
without  hesitation,  and  at  last  the  balance  took 
its  line  of  march  to  Independence. 

Colonel  Ford,  with  ten  companies  of  the  2d 
Colorado,  had  already  preceded  them,  in  obedience 
to  orders  from  General  Blunt.  Major  Pritchard,  of 
the  same  regiment,  was  in  command  of  the  post  at 
Kansas  City. 

At  Hickman's  Mills,  similar  difficulties  occurred 
with  the  border  militia.  On  the  15th,  General 
Blunt  issued  an  order  brigading  his  force  as  follows : 

IST  BRIGADE,  Colonel  C.  R.  JENNISON,  15th  Kansas  Volun- 
teer Cavalry,  Commanding. 

15th  Regiment  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  George  H.  Hoyt  commanding. 

3rd  Regiment  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Cavalry  Battalion,  of 
five  companies,  Captain  Carpenter  commanding. 

Four  twelve-pound  mountain-howitzers. 

2o  BRIGADE,  Colonel  THOMAS  MOONLIGHT,  llth  Kansas 
Volunteer  Cavalry,  Commanding. 

llth  Regiment  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Plumb. 

Company  L,  5th  Kansas  Cavalry,  Captain  Young. 

Company  D,  16th  Kansas  Cavalry,  Captain  Kendall. 

Four  twelve-pound  mountain-howitzers. 

3RD  BRIGADE,  Colonel  C.  W.  BLAIR,  14th  Regiment 
Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Commanding. 

5th  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia,  Colonel  G.  A.  Colton 
(Miami  County). 

6th  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia,  Lieutenant- Colonel 
J.  JD.  Snoddy  (Linn  County). 

10th  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia,  Colonel  Wm.  Pennock 
(Franklin  County). 


64  ARMY    OF   THE    BOBDEE. 

Detachment  of  Company  E,  14th  Kansas  Cavalry,  Lieu- 
tenant Win.  B.  Clark. 

Battalion  Bourbon  County  Militia  (four  companies),  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Eves. 

Independent  Battery,  Colorado  Volunteers,  Captain  Mc- 
Lain,    six   guns;   and    right   section    of  2d    Kansas 
Battery,  Lieutenant  Knowles. 
Brigadier-General  FISHBACK,  Kansas    State   Militia,  to 

have  immediate  command,  reporting  to  Colonel  Blair. 

This  last  order  was  issued  on  a  supposed  agreement 
of  General  Fishback  to  waive  the  question  of  rank. 
Dissatisfaction,  however,  was  soon  manifested  by 
that  officer  and  Colonel  Snoddy.  General  Fishback 
issued  the  following  order : 

HEAD-QUARTERS  5-ra  BRIGADE,  K.  S.  M.,  ) 
HICKMAN'S  MILLS,  OCT.  15,  1864.      [ 

Colonel  Colton,  of  the  5th  Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel 
J.  D.  Snoddy,  6th  Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  and  Colonel 
Pennock,  of  the  10th  Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  are  hereby  ordered 
to  march  their  regiments  to  Rockville,  via  Aubury,  with 
the  discretion  to  march  from  Aubury  too,  if  in  their 
judgment  the  enemy  are  likely  to  attack  Paola.- 
By  order  of  Brigadier-General  Fishback  : 

H.  MCBRIDE,  A.  A.  G. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Snoddy,  in  common  with 
others,  had  been  directed  to  report  to  division  head- 
quarters the  number  of  men,  arms,  amount  of 
ammunition,  etc.,  in  his  command.  He  did  so,  and 
also  forwarded  the  following  request : 

HEAD-QUARTERS   6TH    REGIMENT,  K.   S.  M.,  ) 
HICKMAN'S  MILLS,  Mo.,  OCT.  15,  1864.      ) 

CAPTAIN  GEO.  S.  HAMPTON,  A.  A.  G. : 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  all  the  effective  men  of  Linn 
County,  Kansas,  are  now  here  in  my  command,  and  that 
in  consequence  that  county  is  now  left  entirely  without 
protection,  and  that  the  men  of  my  command  are  poorly 
prepared  to  endure  a  campaign,  from  the  want  of  camp 


ACTION   OF   COLONEL    SNODDY.  65 

equipage,  I  most  respectfully  ask  that  I  be  ordered  with 
my  regiment  to  the  border  of  Linn  County. 

Yery  respectfully,  your  obedient  serv't, 

JAS.  D.  SNODDY, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  commanding  6th  Regt.  K.  S.  M. 

An  endorsement  was  returned,  as  follows : 

HEAD-QUARTERS  IST  DIVISION,  ARMY  OF  THE  ) 

BORDER,  IN  THE  FIELD, 
HICKMAN'S  MILLS,  Oct.  15,  1864.         ) 

Respectfully  returned — application  refused.  The  Gen- 
eral commanding  will  make  such  disposition  of  the  troops 
under  his  command  as  in  his  judgment  he  thinks  best. 
Everything  will  be  done  that  is  possible  to  supply  the 
militia  of  your  command  with  whatever  is  required  for 
their  comfort,  when  application  is  made  through  the 
proper  channels. 

By  command  of  Major-General  Blunt : 

GEO.  S.  HAMPTON,  A.  A.  G. 

Early  on  the  16th,  the  dissatisfaction  culminated 
in  an  attempt  to  march  the  6th  Regiment  to  Kansas. 
The  regiment  was  already  on  its  way  ere  General 
Blunt  was  informed.  Prompt  measures  were  taken. 
The  15th  Kansas  was  ordered  out.  General  Blunt, 
in  person,  stopped  the  regiment,  and  placed  General 
Fishback  and  Colonel  Snoddy  in  arrest,  ordering 
them  to  Paola,  and  marched  the  militia  back  to 
camp.  They  returned  most  willingly,  greeting  the 
General's  action  with  cheers,  and  displaying  an 
enthusiastic  desire  to  meet  the  enemy.  Colonel 
James  Montgomery,  formerly  of  the  3d  Kansas 
Volunteers,  and  latterly  of  the  2d  South  Carolina 
Volunteers  (colored),  who  had  distinguished  himself 
greatly  in  South  Carolina  and  Florida,  having 
8 


66  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

arrived  at  head-quarters  to  tender  his  services,  was 
by  the  6th  Regiment  unanimously  elected  Colonel. 
No  further  conflict  of  authority  occurred.  General 
Fish  back  was  released  from  arrest  by  order  of 
General  Curtis,  on  the  ground  of  a  misunderstanding 
between  him  and  General  Blunt.  He  afterwards 
served  gallantly  with  his  brigade  at  the  Big  Blue, 
Westport,  rendering  efficient  service  prior  thereto  in 
forwarding  troops.  Colonel  Snoddy  was  retained  a 
prisoner  at  Paola,  till  after  the  army  of  the  border 
moved  south  in  pursuit  of  Price. 

At  four  P.  M.  of  the  16th,  General  Blunt 
received  orders  to  move  with  all  his  mounted  force 
towards  Pleasant  Hill.  At  seven  the  same  evening, 
the  1st  and  2d  Brigades,  2,000  men,  with  eight 
howitzers,  took  up  the  line  of  march.  Before 
marching,  the  Division  Staff  was  announced :  Cap- 
tain G.  S.  Hampton,  A.  A.  G. ;  Captain  B.  F. 
Simpson,  15th  Kansas,  Acting  Quartermaster ;  Cap- 
tain Geo.  J.  Clark,  Ordnance  Officer  (he  remained 
with  Colonel  Blair);  Captain  A.  J.  Shannon,  Division 
Provost  Marshal ;  Volunteer  Aide-de-Camps,  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel J.  T.  Burris,  late  of  the  10th  Kansas, 
Major  R.  G.  Ward,  1st  Kansas  Colored  Volunteers, 
Captain  Milhoan,  late  of  the  10th  Kansas.  Captain 
R.  J.  Hinton,  2d  Kansas  Colored  Volunteers,  A.  D. 
C.  on  the  regular  staff,  reported  for  duty  to  General 
Curtis,  being  unable  to  reach  division  head-quarters 
till  after  the  engagement  at  Lexington.  Major 
Penny,  late  of  31st  Missouri  Volunteers,  Volunteer 


LOCATION   OF   TEOOPS.  67 

A.  D.  C.,  was  assigned  to  duty  after  that  battle. 
General  Lane  remained  on  duty  with  General  Blunt, 
"by  direction  of  General  Curtis.  Colonel  Blair,  with 
the  3d  Brigade,  moved  to  the  west  side  of  the  Big 
Blue,  where  he  encamped.  Colonel  Ford,  with  the 
2d  Colorado,  held  Independence,  six  miles  further 
east.  He  had  with  him  there  his  own  regiment, 
under  Major  J.  Nelson  Smith,  and  several  companies 
of  the  16th  Kansas  Cavalry  (Colonel  Werter  E,. 
Davis,  Commanding  Post  at  Fort  Leavenworth), 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Sam.  Walker,  one  of  the 
best  officers  and  most  gallant  soldiers  in  the  service. 
The  4th  and  19th  Regiments  Kansas  State  Militia 
(cavalry),  commanded  by  Colonels  Hogan  and 
McCain.  Colonel  Hogan  commanded  the  brigade; 

Orders  were  issued  directing  militia  then  concen- 
trating at  Paola,  Mound  City  and  Fort  Scott,  in 
view  of  the  probability  of  Price's  moving  south 
from  the  vicinity  of  Lexington,  to  remain  there, 
holding  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  any 
moment.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Drake,  17th  Kansas, 
with  two  companies,  garrisoned  Paola.  He  was 
shortly  after  joined  by  the  12th  Regiment  Kansas 
State  Militia  (Lyon  County),  Colonel  Mitchell, 
the  16th  (Coffey  County),  Colonel  Potter,  and  a 
mounted  battalion  from  Osage  County,  under  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel M.  M.  Murdoch.  This  latter,  in 
obedience  to  orders,  moved  up  the  line  in  the 
direction  of  Westport,  and  opportunely  arrived  in 
time  to  participate  in  the  engagement  of  the  22d, 


68  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

At  Mound  City,  Captain  Greer,  15th  Kansas,  was  in 
command.  He  had  as  garrison  sixty  men,  conva- 
lescents, 15th  Kansas,  and  five  companies  of  the 
Linn  County  Militia,  two  mounted.  At  Fort  Scott, 
Captain  Vittum,  3rd  Wisconsin  Cavalry,  was  in 
command.  He  had  with  him  about  two  hundred 
volunteers,  mostly  2d  Kansas  Cavalry.  Two  regi- 
ments of  militia  under  Brigadier-General  J.  B.  Scott 
were  also  assembled  there.  About  three  hundred 
colored  men,  called  out  under  the  proclamation  of 
martial  law,  were  placed  under  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant Wm.  D.  Matthews  (colored),  Light  Artillery, 
United  States  Colored  Troops,  who,  with  his 
command,  were  put  in  charge  of  a  portion  of  the 
defences. 

At  various  other  points  in  the  State,  militia  were 
assembled.  Those  regiments  rendezvousing  at  At- 
chison  were  ordered  to  the  front,  but  owing  to  a 
misunderstanding  and  conflict  of  authority,  they  did 
not  move  till  after  the  battle  of  Little  Blue,  aroused 
all  to  a  realizing  sense  of  the  danger  in  which  the 
State  was  placed.  The  15th  Regiment  was  retained 
at  Fort  Riley.  The  14th,  under  Colonel  Harvey, 
formerly  of  the  10th  Kansas  Volunteers,  exhibited 
great  alacrity  in  concentrating  and  marching,  having 
over  one  hundred  miles  to  travel.  They  reached  the 
State  line  on  the  afternoon  of  the  22nd,  while  an 
engagement  was  in  progress.  Thence  they  marched 
,  to  Westport  and  Kansas  City.  They  made  this 
march  in  six  days.  The  18th  Regiment,  infantry, 


GEIfEEAL    CURTIS     MOVEMENTS.  69 

Colonel  Matthew  Quigg,  formerly  of  tlie  10th  Kansas 
Volunteers,  left  Atchison  and  marched  to  Wyan- 
dotte,  where  they  remained  in  camp  till  the  22nd, 
when  they  moved  to  Big  Blue.  The  12th  Regiment, 
cavalry,  Colonel  L.  S.  Treat,  was  among  the  fore- 
most in  usefulness.  Two  days  after  receipt  of  orders, 
Colonel  Treat,  with  four  hundred  men,  was  in  the 
saddle.  On  the  16th  he  reported  at  Wyandotte  to 
General  Curtis,  and  thence  to  Colonel  Ford,  at 
Independence. 

While  troops  were  thus  concentrating,  and  the  1st 
Division  was  marching  towards  Lexington,  the  com- 
manding General  was  moving  to  the  different 
rendezvous,  reconnoitering  the  country,  and  making 
other  dispositions  to  meet  the  enemy.  It  having 
been  found  almost  impossible  to  move  the  State 
troops  as  a  unit  upon  the  Lexington  road,  it  was 
wisely  determined  to  turn  all  efforts  to  holding 
them  together  at  the  next  most  available  line  of 
defence.  General  Curtis  confidently  hoped  the 
troops  under  Rosecrans  would  overtake  the  rebel 
army  at  or  near  Lexington,  turn  them  on  a  retreat, 
and  thus  enable  him,  with  the  irregular  forces  at  his 
disposal,  to  attack  their  flank,  disorder  and  pursue 
their  retreating  columns.  The  main  difficulty  was 
in  obtaining  accurate  intelligence.  Head-quarters 
were  successively  made  at  Wyandotte,  Kansas  City 
and  Independence. 

At  Kansas  City,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wheeler,  13th 
Kansas,  and  Captain  Hinton,  of  General  Blunt' s 


70  AEMY    OF   THE    BOEDEE. 

staff,  reported  for  duty.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Sears, 
18th  U.  S.  C.  T.,  at  home  on  furlough,  also  reported. 
He  was  announced  as  Provost  Marshal.  Captain 
Edgar  Seelye,  A.  Q.  M.,  stationed  at  Kansas  City, 
was  announced  as  Acting  Chief  Quartermaster. 
From  Fort  Smith,  Arkansas,  arrived  Colonel  Wni. 
F.  Cloud,  2nd  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Colonel  S. 
J.  Crawford,  2d  Kansas  Colored  Volunteers  (now 
Governor  of  Kansas),  and  Colonel  John  Ritchie, 
1st  Regiment,  Indian  Brigade,  who  with  Lieu- 
tenant S.  S.  Prouty,  Regimental  Quarter-Master 
3rd  Regiment,  Indian  Brigade,  reported  to  General 
Curtis  for  duty,  and  were  assigned  ;  the  Colonel  as 
Volunteer  Aid- de-Camp,  and  Lieutenant  Prouty  to 
the  Quarter-Master's  Department. 

Other  members  of  the  department  staff  arrived. 
Lieutenant  G.  T.  Robinson,  Chief  Engineer,  was 
placed  in  charge  of  the  preparation  of  defences  upon 
the  lines  chosen  by  General  Curtis.  Major  S.  S. 
Curtis,  2d  Colorado,  A.  D.  C.,  reported  on  the  18th 
at  Kansas  City,  with  the  Steamer  "Benton,"  on 
board  which,  he  had  run  the  blockade  of  the  Mis- 
souri River,  established  by  the  rebels  at  Lexington 
and  elsewhere.  The  whole  trip  was  of  so  daring  a 
character  as  to  be  worthy  of  mention. 

Major  Curtis,  in  obedience  to  orders,  took  posses- 
sion and  charge  of  the  Benton,  on  the  7th  of  October. 
Had  on  board  three  companies  of  the  43rd  M.  S.  M., 
under  command  of  Major  Davis.  Three  companies 
of  same  Regiment  were  on  the  West  Wind ;  all 


THE    RIVER    BLOCKADE.  l 

under  command  of  Col.  Chester  Harding.  Started 
immediately  for  Jefferson  City  ;  were  much  delayed 
by  low  water  and  hard  winds,  and  only  reached 
Brunswick  at  10  A.  M.,  of  the  llth  inst.  Found 
the  town  occupied  by  Captain  Kennedy,  of  Price's 
Army,  with  eighty  men,  mostly  raised  in  the  place. 
A  guerilla,  named  Kyder,  with  one  hundred  men, 
had  left  the  preceding  evening.  We  landed,  driving 
the  enemy  from  the  town  at  the  first  fire.  Colonel 
Harding  seized  all  the  serviceable  horses,  mounted 
and  sent  in  pursuit  eighty  men,  who  returned  during 
the  night,  reporting  having  come  up  with  the  enemy, 
who  again  fled  without  fight.  Lieut.  Brunswick  next 
day  saw  a  few  of  the  enemy  at  Cambridge.  Ar- 
rived at  Glasgow  on  the  13th  ;  found  Captain  Mayer, 
of  9th  M.  S.  M.,  with  about  three  hundred  cavalry, 
and  as  many  more  armed  citizens,  throwing  up 
intrenchnients,  intending  to  hold  the  place  as  long  as 
possible.  Learned  that  Price  was  at  Booneville, 
conscripting  every  man  fit  for  duty,  and  had  posses- 
sion of  the  steam  ferry  boat.  Colonel  Harding 
decided  to  remain  at  Glasgow.  Believing  the  boat 
would  be  wanted  at  Leavenworth,  Major  Curtis  con- 
cluded to  return,  and  in  view  of  the  weakness  of  the 
garrison,  without  a  guard,  feeling  confident  the  boat 
could  not  be  taken  with  small  arms.  He  left  Glas- 
gow on  the  14th ;  was  fired  into  that  evening  at 
Miami  City,  and  at  Plains  City,  and  again  the  next 
morning,  when  the  mate  of  the  boat  was  slightly 
wounded.  Fired  into  near  Waverly,  by  about  fifty 


72  ARMY   OF   THE   BORDER. 

rebels,  and  also  at  Lexington.  Here  the  boat  was 
under  a  heavy  fire  from  two  hundred  bushwhackers ; 
the  shot  fell  thick  and  fast,  without  however,  doing 
material  damage.  Besides  the  above,  was  fired  into 
repeatedly  by  small  parties.  The  boat  was  struck 
by  over  six  hundred  shots ;  probably  three  or  four 
thousand  more  were  fired  at  her,  before  arriving  at 
Kansas  City.  Though  bringing  up  the  boat  was 
considered  hazardous,  the  capture  of  Glasgow  the 
next  day  by  Price,  proves  it  better  than  to  have 
remained  there. 

The  following  order  was  issued,  owing  to  the 
reported  connivance  with  rebels,  of  the  commanders 
of  certain  captured  boats  : 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  KANSAS,      ) 
Fort  Leavenworth,  October  15,  1864.  ) 

GENERAL  ORDERS,  ) 
No.  56.  J 

Commanders  and  owners  of  Steam-boats  and  Ferry- 
boats on  the  Missouri  River,  in  this  command,  will  see  that 
their  boats  do  not  fall  into  rebel  hands  in  a  condition  for 
rebel  service,  under  the  sure  and  swift  penalty  of  the  loss 
of  boat,  and  the  forfeit  of  the  life  of  the  commander 
and  pilot. 

BY  COMMAND  OF  MAJOR-GENERAL  CURTIS  : 

W.  H.  STARK, 
Acting  Assistant  Adjutant- General. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 


MAECH    TO    LEXINGTON — PEEPAEATIONS     AT    THE    BIG 
BLUE MOVEMENTS    OF   MILITIA. 

ON  the  18th,  General  Curtis'  Head-Quarters  were  at 
Camp  Chariot,  Kansas  City.  Information  was  con- 
stantly received  of  the  movements  of  General  Blunt, 
who,  with  the  volunteer  cavalry  of  his  Division,  was 
moving  by  the  Warrensburg  Road  towards  Lexing- 
ton. On  leaving  Hickman's  Mills,  Major  Anderson 
had  been  sent  towards  Warrensburg,  with  instruc- 
tions to  move  east  until  he  obtained  reliable  informa- 
tion. Bushwhackers  were  reported  in  the  vicinity 
of  Pleasant  Hill.  Captain  Allen,  of  the  7th  E.  M. 
M.,  with  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  held  that  point. 
At  Warensburg,  all  the  militia  had  been  removed  to 
Jefferson  City  by  General  Brown.  Major  Emory  S. 
Foster  assumed  command,  taking  active  measures 
to  defend  the  place.  He  succeeded  in  arming 
about  one  hundred  and  twenty  men  in  all,  and 
obtained  5,000  cartridges.  The  Court  House  was 
9 


74  AEMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

occupied  as  quarters,  and  defences  made  around  it  of 
wagons  and  cord  wood  belonging  to  the  quarter- 
master's department.  Major  Anderson  reached  the 
town  on  the  16th  inst.,  and  returned  to  Pleasant 
Hill  on  the  17th.  Captain  Palmer,  llth  Kansas, 
with  twenty  men,  was  sent  on  a  scout  to  Knob 
Noster,  ten  miles  east  of  Warrensburg,  but  till  after 
the  17th,  was  not  heard  from.  One  of  our  spies, 
who  had  been  within  Price's  camp,  reported  him  as 
having  a  force  of  over  20,000,  daily  augmented  by 
conscripts  and  recruits.  Camp  rumors  stated  Price's 
intention  to  move  on  Kansas  City  by  way  of  Lex- 
ington, following  the  river,  and  thence  through 
Kansas  and  the  Indian  Territory  to  the  Arkansas. 
General  Blunt  believed  this  would  be  their  route ; 
all  information  obtained,  confirmed  it.  Hopes 
were  entertained  of  communicating  with  Sanborn, 
who,  on  the  14th,  was  at  Georgetown.  On  the  17th, 
Blunt  moved  to  Holden ;  the  same  night  twenty 
miles  towards  Lexington;  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
18th,  reached  that  city. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Major  J.  Nelson  Smith,  2d  Col- 
orado Volunteer  Cavalry,  had  been  ordered  on  a 
scout  towards  Lexington,  the  results  of  which  are 
thus  reported  by  him : 

INDEPENDENCE,  Mo.,  Oct.  18,  1864. 

Robert  L.  JKoe,   A.   A.   A.    General,   1st  Brigade,    2nd 
Division,  Army  of  the  Border  : 

SIK  : — For  the  information  of  the  Colonel  commanding, 
I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  in  pursuance  to  instructions 
received  from  him  I  left  this  place  on  the  afternoon  of 


SCOUT    OF   MAJOR    SMITH.  75 

Sunday,  the  16th  instant,  at  eight  o'clock,  with  a  detach- 
ment of  the  16th  Kansas  Cavalry  arid  2nd  Colorado 
Cavalry,  viz. :  Companies  H,  K  and  L,  16th  Kansas, 
commanded  by  Major  Ketner,  and  Companies  C,  E,  Gr,  K 
and  L,  2nd  Colorado,  numbering  in  all  about  three  hundred 
men.  I  proceeded  east  on  the  Lexington  Telegraph  Road, 
and  when  out  nine  or  ten  miles  from  this  place  found  the* 
telegraph  line  down  and  cut,  which  continued  for  every 
two  or  three  miles  until  I  reached  Lexington.  *  * 
When  within  ten  miles  of  Lexington,  I  commenced  making 
inquiries  in  regard  to  the  force,  and  kind,  at  that  place,  and 
the  invariable  report  was  from  live  hundred  to  seven 
hundred  men,  about  half  Confederate  troops  and  the  rest 
bushwhackers ;  and  not  till  I  got  within  a  mile  and  a  half 
or  two  miles  could  I  learn  anything  to  the  contrary,  when 
I  learned  that  it  was  reported  that  the  enemy's  force  had 
left  late  the  night  before.  I  dashed  with  my  command 
into  the  town  on  the  morning  of  the  17th,  a  little  after 
sunrise,  but  found  the  town  evacuated.  I  was  informed  by 
the  citizens  that  a  strong  picket  of  the  enemy  had  been  posted 
in  the  town  during  the  night  previous,  and  had  left  at  day- 
light. Also,  that  a  small  picket  force  had  left  the  town  as  I 
occupied  it.  I  found  but  very  few  citizens  in  the  streets, 
and  they  all  women  and  children  ;  but  as  soon  as  they 
learned  that  "Feds."  occupied  the  town,  what  few  male 
citizens  there  were  left  commenced  crawling  out  of  their 
holes,  and  the  citizens  generally  commenced  crowding 
around  us — some  in  tears,  some  in  smiles,  and  some  in 
rags.  They  generally  appeared  much  rejoiced  at  our 
arrival,  and  offered  us  the  hospitalities  of  the  town,  inviting 
us  to  their  homes,  and  acting  as  if  they  could  not  do  too 
much  for  us.  I  immediately  posted  a  strong  picket  about 
the  town  and  sent  out  scouts  in  different  directions,  as  I 
had  learned  that  a  force,  from  five  hundred  to  seven 
hundred,  of  Confederates  had  been  in  camp  only  six  miles 
from  town  at  daylight,  intending,  if  such  a  force  was  there, 
if  not  too  strongly  posted,  to  make  them  show  their  hands 
or  else  throw  up  ours.  My  scouts  proceeded  in  a  south 
and  south-easterly  direction  a  distance  of  nine  miles,  and 
found  no  force  except  a  picket  of  the  enemy  six  miles 
from  town,  which  the  scouts  fired  upon,  killing  one  and 
wounding  two.  I  learned  that  quite  a  large  force  of  the 
enemy  had  been  at  Dover,  a  distance  of  eight  miles,  but 


76  AEMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

that  the  pickets  had  been  driven  in  from  Lexington  by  the 
Federal  troops,  and  reported  them  in  large  force  there  and 
more  coming,  and  that  the  Confederates  had  got  up  and 
"  skedaddled." 

I  also  learned  in  Lexington,  from  what  I  consider  pretty 
reliable  authority,  that  a  force  from  2,000  to  3,000  strong 
(said  to  be  Shelby's  force,  and  commanded  by  General 
Fagan,  C.  S.  A.)  was  down  the  river  at  Waverly.  The 
citizens  of  Lexington  have  had  a  reign  of  terror,  both 
loyal  people,  McClellan  people,  and  rebels.  The  enemy 
have  plundered  and  robbed  indiscriminately,  taking  every- 
thing of  value  they  could  carry  away,  and  have  left  many 
poor  families  very  destitute.  I  captured  thirty  (30)  double- 
barreled  shot-guns,  brought  by  the  enemy  to  Lexington,  to 
arm  their  conscripts  with ;  also,  one  thousand  rounds  of 
ammunition,  all  of  which  I  destroyed,  as  I  had  no  trans- 
portation to  carry  them  away.  I  sent  a  dispatch  to  Captain 
Eads,  1st  M.  S.  M.,  who  I  learned  was  at  Richmond, 
across  the  river,  and  who  was  in  command  at  Lexington, 
with  his  company,  and  two  full  companies  of  citizen 
guards,  at  the  time  that  it  was  evacuated,  advising  him  to 
return,  which  he  did  just  as  my  rear  guard  was  leaving 
town.  Being  well  satisfied  that  he  could  hold  the  place,  if 
he  chose  to,  I  left  the  place  with  my  command  at  about 
four  o'clock,  being  out  of  rations,  the  citizens  pleading 
with  me  to  stay,  and  telling  me  that  they  would  feed  my 
whole  command  so  long  as  I  chose  to,  or  could  stay  there. 
I  returned  eighteen  miles  by  the  same  route  on  which  I 
came  in,  and  went  into  camp,  it  being  now  dark.  Just 
before  going  into  camp,  my  advance  ran  into  six  mounted 
men,  which  I  supposed  to  be  the  enemy's  bushwhacker 
pickets,  and  who  after  getting  into  the  brush  some  distance, 
discharged  two  shots,  probably  signals  for  the  force  to 
which  they  belonged.  It  being  quite  dark,  my  command 
and  their  horses  being  tired  and  worn  out,  I  did  not  think 
it  advisable  to  pursue  them.  I  here  had  my  telegraph 
operator  "tap"  the  wire,  so  that  I  might  communicate  with 
you,  but  he  reported  that  he  could  get  no  circuit,  and  I 
had  to  abandon  it. 

Hearing  that  a  force  of  from  seventy-five  to  one  hundred 
bushwhackers  had  passed  south  of  us  just  before  we  went 
into  camp,  I  sent  Captain  Greene  with  his  company  (E), 
and  companies  G  and  L,  2nd  Colorado  Cavalry,  this 


CAPTAIN  EATHBUEN'S  GENEEAL  OEDEE.        Y7 

morning  just  before  daylight,  to  see  if  he  could  find  their 
whereabouts,  and  if  so  to  give  them  a  turn.  His  (Captain 
Green's)  report  accompanies  this,  and  is  marked  "C," 
also  notice  marked  "  A,?"  published  by  Captain  Bedinger, 
C.  S.  A.,  at  Lexington,  October  14th,  1864,  and  orders 
marked  "  B,"  by  Captain  George  S.  Rathburn,  same  date 
and  army.  Most  of  the  recruits  enlisted  by  Captains 
Rathburn  and  Bedinger,  as  well  as  most  of  their  conscripts, 
deserted  and  returned  to  their  homes. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  remark  that  too  much  credit 
cannot  be  given  to  the  officers  and  men  under  my  command 
for  their  good  behavior  and  prompt  obedience  of  orders. 
No  complaints  whatever  came  to  me  of  the  misconduct  of 
any  man  of  my  command.  I  broke  camp  at  daylight 
this  morning,  and  arrived  here  at  twelve  o'clock  M. 
(Signed)  J.  NELSON  SMITH, 

Major  2d  Colorado  Cavalry,  Commanding. 


NOTICE. 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  LEXINGTON,  Mo.,  Oct.  14th. 

I  hereby  notify  the  citizens  of  the  city  of  Lexington  and 
vicinity,  that  I  am  here  now  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting 
all  those  who  are  subject  to  military  duty,  and  organizing 
them  into  companies,  battalions,  &c.,  with  authority  from 
Major-General  Price.  All  those  subject  to  duty  will  report 
to  me  at  the  Court  House,  immediately. 

L.  L.  BEDINGER, 
Captain  and  Recruiting  Officer. 


GENERAL    ORDER. 

HEAD-QUARTERS  DETACHMENT  SHELBY'S  BRIGADE,  ) 
LEXINGTON,  Mo.,  Oct.  14th.      f 

The  city  of  Lexington  having  this  day  surrendered  to 
me  by  the  Mayor  thereof,  in  the  name  of  the  Confederate 
Government,  I  have  the  honor  to  issue  the  following 
General  Order : 

I.  The  rights  of  non-combatants  and  private  property 
must  be  respected  and  preserved. 

II.  All  male  white  citizens   between  the  ages  of  seven- 
teen and  fifty  are  ordered  to  report  to  head-quarters  at  the 


78  AEMY    OF   TIIE    BORDEK. 

Court  House,  within  twenty-four  hours  after  issuing  this 
order. 

III.  All  public  property  belonging  to  the  Federal  Gov- 
ernment in  this  city  is  taken  possession  of,  in  the  name  of 
the  Confederacy,  and  the  citizens  are  required  to  report  the 
same  to  head-quarters  at  the  Court  House,  immediately. 

IY.  If  any  shots  are  tired  from  houses  in  the  city  upon 
Confederate  troops,  or  any  force  under  my  command,  such 
houses  are  ordered  to  be  burned  to  the  ground. 

Y.  Proper  vouchers  to  be  issued  for  all  property  taken 
for  the  public  use  in  the  Quartermaster's  Department. 

This  order  to  be  rigidly  enforced. 

GEO.  S.  RATHBURN, 
Capt.  Com'd'g  Detachment  Shelby's  Brigade,  Recruiting 

Service. 


INDEPENDENCE,  Mo.,  Oct.  7,  1864. 

SIR  : — I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  report  for  the  infor- 
mation of  the  Major-Commanding,  that  I  scouted  in  a  south- 
east direction  through  Texas  Prairie,  and  found  a  large 
trail  going  east,  supposed  to  be  Todd's  command.  Said 
trail  was  in  the  vicinity  of  Judge  Gray's.  We  then  struck 
for  Fire  Prairie,  by  the  way  of  Robinson's ;  thence  west, 
crossing  the  Blue  at  Franklin's.  From  there  we  struck  the 
Lexington  arid  Independence  road,  four  miles  from  this 
place,  After  leaving  the  large  trail,  we  heard  of  two 
parties,  one  of  six  .  and  one  of  three,  traveling  in  all 
thirty  miles  from  the  time  of  leaving  your  command  on 
same  date. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  W.  H.  GREEN, 

Captain  Company  E,  2nd  Colorado  Cavalry. 

To  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Stanton,  Bat. 

While  these  movements  were  progressing,  the 
difficulty  of  advancing  the  militia  to  the  points  most 
essential  for  practical  resistance  to  Price,  daily 
became  greater.  The  aim  now  was  to  concentrate 
force  enough  at  some  particular  point  sufficiently 
strong  to  effectually  hold  the  rebel  army  in  check 


OPEEATIONS    OF    THE    MILITIA.  9 

until  General  Pleasanton  could  co-operate.  To  this 
end  Colonel  Blair  was  stationed  at  the  Big  Blue,  and 
with  the  engineers,  actively  engaged  in  fortifying 
that  line,  by  means  of  formidable  abattis  and 
breast  works  at  salient  points,  rifle  pits  to  cover  the 
line  of  advance,  and  such  other  means  as  would 
materially  strengthen  the  natural  advantages  of  the 
west  bank  of  the  stream.  At  Kansas  City  martial 
law  was  rigidly  enforced,  and  all  available  force 
set  to  work  constructing  a  long  line  of  intrench- 
ments  on  the  east  and  south,  thus  creating  a  formid- 
able obstacle  to  the  rebel  army.  Officers  were  sent 
to  hurry  all  troops  to  the  front.  Among  these, 
Captain  R.  J.  Hinton  received  orders  to  take  general 
charge  of  the  movements  and  organization  of  the 
colored  men.  The  Leavenworth  Battalion,  under 
Captain  Rafferty,  accompanied  by  a  section  of 
Parrott  guns,  with  thirty  men,  under  Lieutenant  P. 
H.  Minor  (colored),  two  companies  from  Wyandotte, 
and  three  from  Shawneetown,  were  sent  to  the 
front  under  the  general  direction  of  Captain  Hinton, 
with  the  assistance  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  O.  E. 
Learnerd  and  Captain  Simpson,  Kansas  State  Mi- 
litia. These  troops,  with  companies  attached  to 
other  regiments,  were  organized  as  a  brigade,  and 
placed  under  command  of  Captain  Rafferty,  83d 
United  States  Colored  Troops.  It  numbered  over 
one  thousand  men,  who  deserve,  with  their  officers, 
great  credit  for  uniform  zeal  and  gallantry.  Mean- 
while the  handling  of  the  militia  became  more 


80  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

difficult.  Since  Price  moved  from  Jefferson  on  the 
9th,  no  positive  information  had  been  received  of  his 
whereabouts.  This  tended  to  increase  the  difficulties. 
They  are  strikingly  illustrative  of  the  obstacles 
caused,  even  in  a  loyal  community,  by  the  mis- 
chievous theory  of  State  sovereignty,  and  show  the 
necessity  of  remodeling  our  militia  system,  and 
adapting  it  somewhat  to  the  wants  of  a  nation, 
instead  of  being  now  fit  only  for  the  loose  ties  of  a 
confederation. 

A  dispatch  from  General  Deitzler  to  General 
Curtis,  illustrates  forcibly  the  great  trouble  in  the 
way  of  effective  organization : 

INDEPENDENCE,  Mo.,  Oct.  17,  5  P.  M.,  1864. 

GENERAL  : — I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  the 
militia  regiments  ordered  to  repair  to  this  post  from  Sbaw- 
neetown  yesterday,  refused  to  cross  the  State  line  this 
morning  until  after  I  made  them  a  speech  explaining  the 
object  of  the  movement,  and  promised  to  accompany  them, 
and  see  that  they  are  "  not  ordered  too  far  in  this  State." 
They  are  arriving  here  as  I  write,  and  seem  to  be  in  good 
spirits.  I  apprehend  considerable  difficulty  in  inducing 
them  to  march  further  into  Missouri,  and  I  shall  regret  if 
the  necessity  arises  to  make  the  effort.  They  know  their 
rights  under  the  militia  laws  of  our  State,  and  will  not 
tamely  submit  to  an  effort  to  move  them  far  from  their 
homes,  unless  the  necessity  is  great  and  apparent.  General 
Blunt  passed  through  Pleasant  Hill  to-day,  moving  towards 
Warrensburg.  Major  Smith  has  not  yet  returned,  but 
is  expected  in  during  the  night.  He  will  doubtless  bring 
some  reliable  information  respecting  the  strength  and 
whereabouts  of  Price's  army.  I  cannot  persuade  myself 
to  believe  his  army  is  moving  in  this  direction  in  consid- 
erable force.  A  few  days  will  certainly  determine  this 
perplexing  business." 


PBEPARATIONS    AT    THE    BIG    BLUE.  81 

The  1st  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia  refused  to 
cross  the  line.  The  Leavenworth  Mercantile  Battery 
deserted,  taking  their  guns.  On  the  19th,  over 
one-half  the  1st  Regiment  returned  to  Leavenworth. 
The  others  moved  to  Wyandotte.  Afterwards,  a 
small  number  crossed  the  river,  and  participated  in 
the  battle  of  Westport.  They  were  induced  to  this 
by  the  action  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  McCarthy  and 
Adjutant  Frank  S.  Drake.  A  small  number  after- 
wards moved  over  with  Colonel  Robinson,  who  also 
removed  his  shoulder-straps  and  took  a  musket. 

To  return.  The  force  at  Independence  has  already 
been  given.  General  Deitzler,  at  Shawneetown,  was 
reinforced  by  the  9th  Battery  Wisconsin  Volunteers, 
under  Captain  J.  W.  Dodge  and  Lieutenant  Hicks, 
who  had  left  Fort  Riley  on  the  14th,  making  a 
forced  march  of  one  hundred  and  forty  miles,  and 
reporting  on  the  18th.  He  was  afterwards  attached 
to  Colonel  Blair's  Brigade. 

At  the  Big  Blue,  every  preparation  was  being 
made.  At  Kansas  City,  Colonel  Coats  commanded 
the  Missouri  Militia.  Colonel  Van  Horn,  M.  C. 
elect,  was  of  great  service  in  rallying  and  organizing 
the  loyal  people.  At  Wyandotte,  a  large  militia 
force  was  assembled.  Major  Hubbard,  Command- 
ing the  post,  was  untiring  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties.  The  18th  Regiment,  Colonel  Quigg,  was  in 
camp,  as  also  the  23rd.  At  Shawnee,  was  General 
Deitzler1  s  Head-Quarters.  A  large  force  was  assem- 
bled there. 

10 


ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 


On  the  night  of  the  18th,  General  Curtis  received 
dispatches  from  Blunt,  announcing  his  arrival  at 
Lexington.  Near  that  place,  Colonel  Moonlight's 
advance  (the  llth)  run  on  a  small  guerilla  force, 
drove  them  through  the  town,  killing  and  capturing 
three.  Shelby  was  known  to  be  at  Waverly  on  the 
17th.  Price  was  at  Marshall,  Saline  County,  and 
moving  up  the  river.  His  head-quarters,  reported  at 
the  Kizer  farm,  thirty-two  miles  east  of  Lexington. 
Conscripting  was  going  on  briskly.  Blunt  urged  the 
sending  of  troops,  and  the  repair  of  telegraph  from 
Independence.  Captain  Geo.  West,  with  thirty-six 
men  of  Company  "F,"  was  sent  with  dispatches. 
At  11  A.  M.,  of  the  19th,  a  party  was  sent  to  repair 
the  telegraph. 

At  4  A.  M.,  of  the'  20th,  a  dispatch  was  received 
by  General  Curtis,  announcing  an  engagement  at 
Lexington  that  afternoon,  with  General  Price,  and 
the  falling  back  of  Blunt  towards  Independence. 

This  intelligence  was  immediately  communicated 
to  Fort  Leavenworth,  to  all  posts  and  the  forces  at 
the  Big  Blue,  Shawnee,  Wyandotte  and  Kansas  City. 
It  was  now  evident  that  Price's  entire  army  was 
moving  westward,  aiming  directly  at  Kansas. 
Lieutenant  Smith,  Company  M.,  3rd  Kansas  State 
Militia,  was  ordered  to  scout  thoroughly  towards 
Blunt's  advance  on  the  Lexington  Road.  Captain 
Hinton  was  sent  forward  with  dispatches  to  General 
Blunt,  whom  he  reached  about  sunrise.  Major 
McKenny  was  dispatched  to  Colonel  Ford,  with 


COLONEL  FORD'S  ORDERS.  83 

orders  for  him  to  keep  open  the  road  to  Kansas  City. 
Captain  Hyde,  16th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  was 
directed  to  take  the  Steamer  Tom  Morgan,  and  with 
a  guard  of  twenty  men  proceed  down  the  river  as 
far  as  Lexington.  If  fired  upon  by  artillery,  to  turn 
back  and  report  at  Kansas  City. 


CHAPTER    IX. 


BATTLE    OF   LEXINGTON. 

GENEBAL  BLUNT,  with  two  Brigades  of  Cavalry, 
moved  from  Hickman's  Mills  on  the  16th,  by  way  of 
Pleasant  Hill  and  Holden,  to  Lexington.  At  Holden 
a  party  of  citizens  and  militia  from  Warrensburg, 
were  met,  under  command  of  Major  Foster.  They 
were  sent  back  to  Warrensburg ;  Major  Foster  reach- 
ing that  place  first,  and  telegraphing  that  no  rebel 
force  had  been  there.  Nothing  of  special  import- 
ance occurred  on  the  march.  Company  "  B,"  Cap- 
tain Green,  llth  Kansas,  held  the  advance,  when  our 
troops  entered  the  city.  At  Lexington,  the  General 
learnt  the  rebel's  whereabouts.  Price  was  near 
Waverly,  twenty-two  miles  east,  busily  engaged  in 
concentrating  his  army  for  the  purpose  of  resisting 
Rosecrans'  advance.  General  Curtis  was  immedi- 
ately informed  of  the  position,  and  requested  to  send 
the  2d  Colorado  and  16th  Kansas  Cavalry.  Owing 
to  the  militia  difficulties,  the  General  was  unable  to 
send  forward  the  desired  reinforcements.  This 


ADVANCE   OF   THE   ENEMY.  85 

information  was  received  at  11  A.  M.  of  the  19th. 
Messengers  were  sent  to  General  Sanborn,  but  failed 
to  reach  him. 

The  two  brigades  were  disposed  to  meet  the  rebel 
advance.  The  1st  Brigade  was  encamped  on  the 
Fair  Ground,  south  of  town,  and  the  2d  Brigade 
near  the  College  Buildings,  famous  for  their  bloody 
defence  by  Mulligan  in  1861.  Companies  "  A"  and 
"F"  of  the  llth  Kansas,  under  Captain  Palmer,  were 
stationed  on  the  Dover  road,  and  Company  "B,"  Cap- 
tain Green,  was  stationed  on  the  Warrensburg  road. 

Early  in  the  morning  General  Blunt,  assisted  by 
Hon.  Jas.  H.  Lane  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Burris, 
acting  as  Aides,  made  a  thorough  inspection  of  the 
ground,  and  approaches  to  the  city.  They  had  but 
just  returned  to  head-quarters  when  information  was 
received  that  our  pickets  had  been  driven  in.  The 
enemy  were  reported  advancing  in  three  columns 
by  the  Dover,  Camden  and  Warrensburg  road. 
All  was  put  in  readiness  for  resistance.  The 
pickets  fell  back,  stubbornly  contesting  every  foot 
of  ground.  The  1st  Brigade  immediately  formed 
to  the  south  of  the  Fair  Ground,  along  a  road 
running  through  the  camp.  The  2d  Brigade  took 
position  in  line  with  them.  General  Blunt,  with  the 
officers  of  his  staff,  was  everywhere  present.  Strong 
parties  were  sent  forward  to  make  a  thorough 
reconnoissance  of  the  ground  at  our  front.  Our  line 
of  battle  was  formed  to  the  south-east  of  the  city, 
with  open  and  undulating  country  in  our  front  and 


86  ARMY   OF   THE   BOEDEE. 

open  fields  extending  for  two  or  three  miles ;  the 
Independence  road  being  in  our  rear.  It  thus 
offered  a  good  opportunity  for  active  skirmishing, 
and  enabled  us  to  keep  open  a  line  of  retreat,  all 
flanking  movements  being  visible.  The  direct 
attack  was  made  by  the  Camden  road.  A  portion 
of  the  15th  Kansas,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hoyt, 
had  been  sent  forward.  The  balance  of  the  brigade, 
with  howitzers,  was  posted  on  the  southern  edge  of 
the  city,  but  were  soon  after  ordered  back  to  the 
Fair  Ground.  Companies  "E"  and  "F,"  under  Capt. 
J.  A.  Curtis  and  1st  Lieutenant  J.  T.  Smith,  were 
moved  to  the  right  of  the  line  upon  the  Sedalia  road, 
with  one  howitzer,  under  Lieutenant  J.  Murphy, 
Company  "B,"  15th  Regiment.  Capt.  Curtis  moved 
forward  rapidly,  and  soon  became  actively  engaged 
with  the  rebel  advance,  four  hundred  strong,  whom 
he  drove  back  to  the  columns.  The  skirmishing  was 
sharp  and  severe,  firing  with  small  arms  being 
continuous,  while  the  howitzer  was  used  with  con- 
siderable effect.  The  enemy  was  several  times 
repulsed,  not  only  here,  but  on  our  left,  where  the 
2d  Brigade  was  actively  engaged.  While  thus 
engaged,  General  Blunt,  with  his  staff,  was  forming 
a  second  line  of  battle,  and  withdrawing  the  troops 
to  take  this  position.  The  2d  Brigade  was  thus 
withdrawn.  Captain  Curtis,  outflanked,  had  been 
cut  off.  He  did  not  rejoin  the  main  column 
until  after  dark,  having  gallantly  cut  his  way 
through,  meeting  on  his  retreat  a  detachment  under 


GENERAL    BLUJSTT    FALLS    BACK.  87 

Captain  West,  2d  Colorado,  who  was  bearing  dis- 
patches to  General  Blunt.  But  for  this  opportune 
rencounter,  Captain  West  with  his  thirty  men  would 
have  entered  Lexington,  then  occupied  by  the  rebels. 

By  the  time  we  were  actively  engaged,  it  became 
evident  from  the  steady  movements  as  they  massed 
themselves  in  our  front,  that  their  whole  force  was 
present.  At  the  same  time  they  brought  forward  a 
battery,  and  soon  convinced  us  of  their  possession  of 
Parrott  guns.  Their  artillery  did  not  do  us  much 
damage,  while  our  howitzers,  well  and  rapidly 
served,  were  kept  well  in  front,  and  loaded  at  short 
range  with  canister,  did  considerable  execution,  as 
was  evident  from  the  caution  with  which  they 
advanced,  in  spite  of  their  overwhelming  numbers 
and  the  disparity  of  our  force,  the  small  strength  of 
which  was  plainly  visible. 

General  Blunt's  object  was,  by  persistent  resist- 
ance, at  the  same  time  falling  back,  to  delay  the 
enemy  and  ascertain  their  strength.  An  irregular 
firing,  with  occasional  artillery  practice,  was  kept  up 
for  about  two  hours.  Their  rifled  guns  being 
brought  into  play,  it  became  necessary  for  us  to 
move  off,  which  was  done  with  the  utmost  coolness. 
General  Blunt,  General  Lane,  Captain  Simpson  and 
Colonel  Burris  had  been  throughout  this  engagement 
on  the  skirmish  line,  directing  and  participating  in 
the  fight.  General  Lane  dismounted,  and  with  a 
Sharp's  carbine  took  his  place  in  the  ranks  of  the 
skirmishers,  in  front  of  the  2d  Brigade. 


88  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

The  command  was  directed  to  withdraw  on  the 
Independence  road.  This  was  done  in  excellent 
order,  though  the  enemy  pressed  forward  rapidly  to 
prevent  its  success.  The  movement  was  covered  by 
the  llth  Kansas  Cavalry,  Colonel  Moonlight,  with 
about  five  hundred  men  and  four  howitzers,  checked 
the  pressing  columns.  General  Blunt  and  Colonel 
Moonlight  personally  directed  the  use  and  firing  of 
the  howitzers.  The  conduct  of  this  force  was 
beyond  all  praise.  They  fought  and  fell  back,  form- 
ing four  different  lines  of  battle,  retiring  only  to  the 
main  column,  when  almost  enveloped  by  the  enemy. 
A  retreating  fight  was  maintained  for  over  six  miles, 
until  the  head  of  our  column  reached  the  forks  of 
the  roads  to  Independence  and  Wellington.  Our 
loss  was  inconsiderable — about  forty  killed,  wounded 
and  missing.  Many  cases  of  individual  bravery 
made  the  engagement  brilliant.  The  action  of  Cap- 
tain Jack  Curtis,  in  cutting  his  way  out  of  the  rebel 
lines,  and  rejoining  the  division  was  worthy  of  all 
praise.  A  small  body  of  Kansas  State  Militia,  and 
Captain  Grover's  Company  Enrolled  Missouri 
Militia,  from  Warrensburg,  did  excellent  service. 
The  troops  engaged  were,  the  llth  and  15th  Kansas, 
the  3rd  Wisconsin  Cavalry  Battalion,  under  Captain 
Carpenter,  which  occupied  the  left  of  the  1st 
Brigade,  and  Companies  "A"  and  "D,"  of  the  16th, 
under.  Captains  Ames  and  Kendall,  who  behaved 
like  veterans.  The  entire  objects  sought  in  this 
movement  to  Lexington,  had  been  successfully 


EE-UNION    OF    THE    MILITIA.  89 

accomplished.  The  enemy's  force  had  been  devel- 
oped ;  his  position,  strength  and  location  ascertained, 
for  the  first  time  since  Price  had  left  Pilot  Knob. 
Our  loss  was  small.  An  army  of  28,000  had  been 
in  check  for  at  least  twenty-four  hours,  by  a  cav- 
alry column  of  2,000.  Through  this  stubborn 
resistance,  an  important  gain  in  time  was  made. 
General  Curtis  was  enabled  to  disseminate  reliable 
information  to  his  militia,  thus  re-uniting  them,  and 
producing  harmony  of  spirit  and  action.  At  the 
same  time,  it  enabled  him  to  bring  forward  a  con- 
siderable body  of  troops,  who  had  been  held  back, 
and  also  to  fully  arrange  and  prepare  his  chosen 
lines.  The  check  was  the  most  serious,  when  the 
advantage  to  be  taken  by  General  Kosecrans'  troops, 
but  thirty  miles  east  of  Price,  was  to  be  considered. 

The  Division  engaged  by  General  Blunt  was  that 
of  Joe  Shelby.  A  characteristic  story  was  after- 
wards told  by  a  deserter  to  this  effect,  that  consider- 
able disputing  occurred  among  the  rebel  officers 
while  in  Lexington,  as  to  who  commanded  our  troops 
in  this  engagement.  Some  declared  that  it  could 
not  be  General  Blunt,  as  he  held  no  command. 
During  the  discussion  Shelby  is  reported  as 
saying :  "  Well,  gentlemen,  I've  only  one  thing  to 
say  :  it  was  either  Blunt  or  the  devil." 

Among  the  acts  of  coolness,  is  one  given  by 
Colonel  Jennison  in  his  published  report : 

"The  retrogade  movement  was  conducted  with, 
"the  utmost  good  order,  notwithstanding  thedifficul- 
11 


90  AEMY    OF    THE    BOKDEK. 

"  ties  of  the  road  and  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
"during  which  nothing  of  consequence  was  aban- 
"  doned,  and  officers  and  men  discharged  their  duties 
"with  as  much  equanimity  as  though  there  was  not 
"an  army  of  30,000  pressing  closely  upon  their  rear. 
"An  incident  to  the  credit  of  Lieutenant  Murphy, 
"15th  Kansas  V.  C.,  and  Sergeant  Patterson,  14th 
"Kansas  V.  C.,  attached  to  the  battery,  may  be  men- 
tioned here  :  Owing  to  the  darkness  of  the  night 
"and  the  inequalities  of  the  road,  an  accident  occurred 
"by  whicfy  the  limber  of  one  of  the  howitzers  was 
"broken,  and  before  it  could  be  repaired  the  entire 
"column  had  passed.  Lieutenant  Murphy  and  Ser- 
"geant  Patterson  remained  with  the  piece,  and 
"succeeded  in  bringing  it  away  in  the  very  fire  of  the 
"enemy's  pressing  columns." 

Colonel  Moonlight  records  also  the  breaking  of 
the  tongue  of  a  howitzer  while  covering  the  with- 
drawal, and  the  lashing  of  the  same  to  another 
piece  under  a  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy. 

After  dark  the  command  was  marched  leisurely 
towards  Independence,  bivouacking  a  few  miles  from 
the  Little  Blue,  at  2  A.  M. 

Dispatches  were  received  at  sunrise,  directing  the 
division  to  move  to  Independence,  leaving  a  battalion 
to  hold  the  bridge  at  Little  Blue  till  the  enemy 
appeared,  and  then  burn  it.  General  Blunt  urged  that 
the  Little  Blue  be  held  as  our  next  line  of  battle, 
confidently  announcing  our  ability  to  hold  the 
same.  There  is  little  doubt  that  if  our  militia  force 


MOVEMENT  TOWAEDS  INDEPENDENCE.      91 

had  been  easily  handled  and  willing  to  move 
forward,  that  this  plan  would  have  been  advan- 
tageous, as  in  that  way  Pleasanton's  cavalry  would 
have  closed  up  sooner  on  the  rebel  rear,  and  the 
fighting  necessary  on  his  part  to  regain  Indepen- 
dence and  cross  the  Big  Blue  have  been  avoided. 

As,  however,  the  militia  could  not  be  moved  for- 
ward, it  was  necessary  that  our  lines  dh  the  Big 
Blue  should  be  regarded  as  the  main  one.  Another 
objection  to  the  Little  Blue  was  the  character  of 
that  stream,  which,  being  easily  fordable,  was  con- 
sidered not  of  sufficient  extent  to  warrant  prominent 
movements.  Colonel  Moonlight,  with  the  llth 
Kansas,  was  left  at  the  crossing  of  the  Little  Blue, 
and  the  1st  Brigade,  with  the  balance  of  the  2d, 
moved  into  Independence.  The  bridge  commanded 
the  main  road  to  Lexington. 

Had  it  been  possible  to  have,  at  this  time,  extended 
our  right  by  way  of  Lone  Jack,  and  thus  united 

with  Rosecrans'  left,  throwing  the  main  portion  of 
the  Army  of  the  Border,  with  that  of  Missouri,  on 

the  east  and  south  of  Price,  leaving  sufficient  to  the 
west  to  check  him  temporarily,  it  is  certain  that  we 
should  have  succeeded  in  bagging  the  prey,  and 
bringing  him  to  grief.  The  character  of  the  main 
portion  of  our  force  precluded  this. 


CHAPTER    X. 


BATTLE   OF   THE   LITTLE   BLUB. 

As  before  stated,  General  Blunt  moved  to  Inde- 
pendence on  the  20th,  leaving  Colonel  Thos.  Moon- 
light with  ten  companies  of  the  llth  Kansas  Cav- 
alry to  resist  the  approach  of  the  enemy  as  long  as 
possible.  Two  companies  of  the  5th  Kansas  Cav- 
alry, under  Captain  Young,  had  been  left  on  the 
State  line  to  watch  the  guerillas,  and  Companies  "A" 
and  "D,"  of  the  16th,  which  had  been  with  the  2d 
Brigade  at  Lexington,  were,  on  arrival  at  the  Blue, 
ordered  to  report  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Samuel 
Walker,  commanding  their  regiment.  This  left 
Colonel  Moonlight  with  about  six  hundred  men,  and 
the  four  twelve-pound  mountain  howitzers,  attached 
to  the  llth  Kansas. 

As  the  stream  was  fordable  at  almost  every  point, 
it  was  no  easy  matter  to  hold  the  west  bank.  Major 
Martin  Anderson,  with  two  companies  was  stationed 


ADVANCE    OF    THE   ENEMY.  93 

at  the  bridge,  with  directions  to  hold  the  same  as 
long  as  possible,  and  burn  it  before  retreating.  Cap- 
tain Green,  with  Company  "I,"  was  stationed  at  a 
ford  two  miles  south  of  the  bridge,  with  instructions 
to  hold  the  same.  Captain  Huntoon,  with  Company 
"  H,"  was  stationed  at  a  ford  four  miles  distant.  Colo- 
nel Moonlight's  Head-Quarters  were  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  bridge.  Heavy  pickets  were  thrown  out  on 
the  Lexington  Road,  and  every  preparation  made 
that  the  necessities  demanded.  Though  the  stream 
was  shallow  and  easily  forded,  the  heavy  timber  and 
broken  ground,  extending  west  for  two  miles,  with 
advantages  afforded  by  the  fences,  walls,  <fec.,  ren- 
dered it  peculiarly  adapted  to  resisting  an  advance. 
A  low  range  of  hills  run  back  from  the  stream,  and, 
for  the  possession  of  these,  Colonel  Moonlight  con- 
tested stubbornly  every  foot  of  ground. 

About  7  A.  M.,  the  enemy's  advance  was  fairly 
developed,  and  a  brisk  firing  opened.  Informa- 
tion was  immediately  dispatched  to  head-quarters 
at  Independence.  It  found  the  Generals  actively 
engaged  in  preparing  to  move  out  the  1st  Division 
(General  Blunt' s),  to  which  a  Fourth  Brigade,  under 
Colonel  James  H.  Ford,  consisting  of  the  2d  Regi- 
ment Colorado  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Major  J.  Nelson 
Smith ;  the  16th  Regiment  Kansas  Cavalry  Volun- 
teers, Lieutenant-Colonel  Sam  Walker,  and  the 
Colorado  Battery,  Captain  McLain,  in  all  about  nine 
hundred  men,  with  six  guns — had  been  added. 

Other    preparations    had    been    made — both   to 


94  AEMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

resist  the  rebel  advance,  and  to  evacuate  Independ- 
ence— a  perfectly  untenable  position,  easily  flanked 
were  the  Little  Blue  once  carried  in  force.  Gen- 
eral Deitzler,  Kansas  State  Militia,  who  commanded 
the  2d  Division,  was  ordered  to  the  Big  Blue,  and 
took  general  direction  of  the  defensive  preparations. 
The  4th,  12th  and  19th  Regiments,  Kansas  State 
Militia,  Colonels  McCain,  Treat  and  Hogan,  were 
relieved  from  duty  under  Ford,  and  sent  to  the  same 
point.  Captain  McDowell  (then  Mayor  of  Leaven- 
worth)  19th  Regiment,  was,  with  his  company, 
detailed  as  escort  to  the  ammunition  train,  and  did 
good  service,  supplying  the  troops  engaged. 

At  10  A.  M.  (Colonel  Moonlight  having  been  for 
some  time  actively  engaged)  the  1st  and  4th  Brig- 
ades left  Independence,  and  proceeded  at  a  gallop  to 
the  scene  of  conflict.  They  reached  it  within  the 
hour,  a  distance  of  eight  miles. 

Here  they  found  Colonel  Moonlight  had  fallen 
back,  fighting  stubbornly  for  over  two  miles. 
When  the  engagement  opened,  the  rebel  advance 
Division,  under  General  Shelby,  moved  on  the  main 
road.  Major  Anderson  set  fire  to  the  bridge,  and 
held  it  until  fairly  burning.  He  then  fell  back  to 
the  hills,  where  the  balance  of  the  regiment  was 
already  in  position.  Captain  Green  also  returned 
to  the  main  command.  The  rebels  had  deployed  to 
the  left  of  the  road,  and  were  fairly  swarming  across 
the  stream,  compelling  the  abandonment  of  Green's 
position,  without  possibility  of  resistance  on  his  part. 


AKBIVAL    OF    GENERAL   BLUNT.  95 

Colonel  Moonlight  immediately  opened  on  the 
enemy  with  his  howitzers.  The  west  bank  of  the 
stream  was  fairly  in  their  hands,  they  having 
succeeded  in  putting  out  the  fire  at  the  bridge,  so  as 
to  cross  it  with  their  artillery.  Without  hesitation, 
and  with  no  other  thought  than  to  contest  every 
foot,  the  gallant  llth,  with  enthusiastic  shouts, 
swung  earnestly  to  their  work. 

The  rapid  deployment  and  overwhelming  strength 
of  the  enemy,  who  moreover  were  all  mounted,  soon 
placed  our  small  force  in  danger  of  being  flanked 
and  surrounded.  Colonel  Moonlight's  instructions 
had  been  fully  obeyed,  and  the  objects  for  which  he 
had  been  left  being  accomplished,  he  commenced  a 
slow  retrogade  movement,  taking  advantage  of  every 
fence  and  wall  to  check  the  rebel  onset  by  deadly 
volleys  of  small  arms  and  rapid  canister  firing. 
Every  man  dismounted,  and  horses  were  led  to  the 
rear.  From  some  of  the  walls  and  fences  in  our 
front,  behind  which  the  enemy  had  ensconced  them- 
selves and  were  sending  a  destructive  fire  into  our 
thin  ranks,  they  were,  by  a  daring  movement, 
dislodged  and  driven  back  in  confusion. 

At  this  time  General  Blunt  arrived  on  the  field, 
and  assumed  command.  A  new  line  of  battle  was 
formed.  The  llth  took  the  left;  the  16th  Kansas 
on  its  right ;  McLain's  Battery,  the  centre ;  the  2nd 
Colorado  on  the  right  of  it ;  with  the  1st  Brigade  in 
line  on  the  extreme  right ;  the  3rd  Wisconsin,  under 
Lieutenant  J.  B.  Pond,  and  the  15th  Kansas,  under 


96  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Hoyt,  in  order,  each  to  the  right  of 
the  other. 

Dismounting,  we  advanced  immediately  into  the 
timber,  becoming  actively  engaged  with  the  rebel 
army.  Our  whole  line  of  battle  thus  formed  did 
not  exceed  2,500.  General  Curtis,  accompanied  by 
Major  Chariot,  his  Adjutant;  Captain  Meeker, 
Lieutenants  Hubbard  and  Quimby,  of  the  Signal 
Corps ;  General  J.  H.  Lane,  and  Colonels  Crawford 
and  Eitchie,  arrived  upon  the  ground.  Major  R.  H. 
Hunt,  15th  Cavalry,  Chief  of  Artillery,  had  preceded 
them,  in  charge  of  Company  "G,"  llth  Kansas, 
Captain  Gove  (Escort  to  General  Curtis),  and  four 
howitzers,  and  immediately  went  to  the  front  and 
centre,  placing  McLain's  battery  in  position  to  check 
the  rebel  advance  across  a  deep  ravine,  seven 
hundred  yards  to  our  front.  The  place  thus  desig- 
nated was  in  immediate  range  of  a  four-gun  battery. 
The  Colorado  boys  unlimbered  with  great  rapidity, 
and  getting  in  battery,  commenced  showing  the 
quality  of  their  metal.  Their  firing  was  quick  and 
accurate,  and  in  a  very  few  minutes,  "Johnny  Rebs" 
were  glad  to  get  out  of  that ;  three  guns  being  with- 
drawn and  one  abandoned,  though  afterwards  recov- 
ered by  the  enemy.  Prisoners  declared  that  the  fire 
of  our  guns  was  so  destructive  as  to  wound  nearly 
every  horse,  and  compel  the  men  to  run  the  guns  off 
by  hand,  with  a  considerable  loss  in  killed  and 
wounded.  The  firing  against  the  rebel  guns  was 
directed  by  1st  Lieutenant  G.  S.  Eayre,  commanding 


DEATH   OF   MA  JOE   J.    N.    SMITH.  97 

right   section.      The  left  and  centre  were  directed 

o 

against  a  heavy  dismounted  force,  which  was 
advancing  upon  our  left.  After  ten  minutes  rapid 
firing,  by  direction  of  General  Curtis,  the  battery 
fell  back,  their  position  being '  too  exposed.  One 
man  was  wounded  and  one  horse  killed.  In  the 
meantime  Major  Hunt  had  gallantly  taken  position 
in  an  open  field,  four  hundred  yards  in  advance,  with 
the  Body  Guard  and  four  howitzers,  under  Captain 
Johnson,  llth  Kansas,  and  Lieutenant  Gill,  15th 
Kansas.  Finding  this  position  much  exposed  to 
sharpshooters,  he  moved,  supported  on  the  right  by 
the  2d  Colorado,  under  Major  Smith,  to  the  shelter 
of  some  farm  buildings,  and  opened  with  canister 
and  spherical  case,  with  damage  to  the  enemy. 
The  timber  was  filled  with  sharpshooters.  It  is 
reported  by  prisoners,,  that  these  were  generally 
bushwhackers,  who  had  reported  to  Price  at  Lexing- 
ton. They  knew  every  foot  of  ground  over  which 
we  were  fighting,  and  were  all  excellent  marksmen. 

Among  those  who  fell  at  this  point  of  the  contest, 
was  the  gallant  Major  J.  Nelson  Smith,  2nd  Colo- 
rado, who,  while  encouraging  his  men,  under  a  heavy 
fire  and  against  these  great  odds,  was  shot  through  the 
heart.  His  body  was  brought  from  the  field  by  the 
men,  though  most  of  our  dead  and  wounded  had  to 
be  left  to  rebel  care. 

On  our  left,  Colonel  Moonlight,  hardly  pressed, 
and  with  failing  ammunition,  had  held  his  own  most 
stubbornly,  as  did  Colonel  Jennison,  on  our  right, 
12 


'98  AEMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

though  at  last  the  1st  Brigade  was  pressed  back  by 
overwhelming  numbers.  For  some  time  then,  the 
llth,  being  out  of  ammunition,  was  held  in  line,  the 
men  cheering  lustily,  and  occasionally  breaking  into 
the  stirring  refrain  of 

"  Bally  round  the  flag,  boys." 

As  Colonel  Moonlight  fell  back,  he  was  requested 
by  Major  Hunt  to  support  his  howitzers.  This  was 
promptly  acceded  to,  though  the  command  depended 
only  upon  their  revolvers  and  sabres.  The  enemy, 
as  then  deployed,  outnumbered  our  force  ten  to  one. 
Captain  Huntoon,  with  Company  "  H,"  of  the  10th, 
had  just  joined  his  command.  This  gallant  officer 
held  his  position  at  the  ford,  where  he  was  first  sta- 
tioned, against  a  large  force,  though  the  volleying 
musketry,  retreating  sound  of  the  howitzers,  and 
advancing  and  increasing  shrill  scream  and  report  of 
rifled  ordnance  told  him  that  we  were  falling  back, 
and  the  enemy  advancing  on  his  left. 

,  The  1st  Brigade,  Colonel  Jennison,  had  been 
actively  engaged.  The  men  were  dismounted.  Here 
the  firing  was  rapid  and  spirited  during  the  whole 
engagement.  The  battle  raged  along  the  right  with 
the  same  varying  success  which  attended  the  day 
elsewhere.  Before  this  overwhelming  force,  our 
small  command  could  do  no  more  than  slowly  fall 
back.  The  enemy  brought  up  a  number  of  rifled 
guns,  and  the  firing  was  heavy,  though  mainly  ill- 
directed,  doing  damage  to  detachments  at  our  rear. 


FAILURE    OF   AMMUNITION.  99 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Hoyt  distinguished  himself 
greatly  at  several  periods  of  the  battle,  leading  his 
men,  when  opportunities  occurred,  to  dislodge  or 
punish  the  foe.  The  small  battalion  of  Wisconsin 
Volunteers  won  warm  encomiums.  Lieut.  Dixon, 
Company  "  M,"  fell  severely  wounded,  at  the  head 
of  his  command.  Lieutenant  W.  H.  Bisbee,  Com- 
pany "  E,"  Acting  Regimental  Adjutant,  15th  Kan- 
sas, was  wounded  in  the  left  shoulder,  but  remained 
on  the  field  throughout  the  engagement,  though  sev- 
eral times  urged  to  retire. 

Our  entire  line  had  now  fallen  back  to  a  position 
about  a  half  mile  west  of  the  one  where  McLain 
opened.  Here  his  battery  was  again  placed  in  posi- 
tion to  the  left  of  the  road,  and  directed  to  shell  the 
woods  at  the  front  and  right,  through  which  the 
rebels  were  then  advancing.  Our  fire  had  a  good 
effect,  as  it  checked  this  movement  for  the  -time 
being.  Again  the  battery  fell  back,  going  into  posi- 
tion under  the  direction  of  General  Curtis,  at  several 
points  wjiere  the  angles  of  the  road  afforded  open- 
ings for  checking  the  rebels'  forward  movement. 

Orders  had  been  given  to  withdraw  and  mount. 
Colonel  Moonlight's  command,  being  out  of  ammu- 
nition, accomplished  this  with  great  difficulty,  hav- 
ing to  do  so  in  face  of  the  enemy,  giving  up  to  them 
a  long  line  of  stone  wall,  of  which  cover  they  availed 
themselves  to  open  a  galling  fire.  Colonel  "Walker, 
with  the  16th,  covered  their  withdrawal  with  a  brisk 
flank  fire,  under  direction  of  Colonel  Moonlight 


100 

This  looked  like  the  turning  point  for  our  left. 
Exhausted  and  worn  out,  without  ammunition,  it 
seemed  at  one  time  hardly  possible  to  prevent  the 
withdrawal  from  becoming  fatal.  Yet  it  was  done. 
The  ammunition  train,  by  some  error,  had  been 
ordered  towards  Independence,  near  which  Colonel 
Moonlight  afterwards  found  it  and  replenished  his 
cartridge  boxes.  General  Blunt,  with  the  members 
of  his  staff,  was  every  .where  at  the  front,  encourag- 
ing and  directing  the  movements.  Cheering  the 
men  with  the  tenacity  so  characteristic  of  this  officer, 
and  with  usual  seemingly  reckless,  but  cool  audacity, 
exposing  himself  to  the  storm  of  bullets,  he  was  the 
animating  spirit  of  the  battle.  His  presence  was 
inspiring,  and  as  the  men  regarded  him,  they  ceased 
to  heed  the  whistling  shot  and  screaming  shell, 
which  fell  and  exploded  all  about  them. 

Colonel  T.  J.  Burris,  Volunteer  Aid-de-Camp,  with 
Major  Penny,  were  most  conspicuously  useful.  The 
Colonel,  an  old  and  tried  soldier,  seemed  ubiquitous, 
and  was  to  be  found  every  where,  with  cool  and  cal- 
culating manner,  noting  every  thing  that  occurred, 
and  directing  the  operations  under  the  General's 
orders.  He  was  sent  to  find  and  halt  the  ammuni- 
tion train,  which  he  did  a  short  distance  to  the  east 
of  Independence.  All  the  staff  officers  were  active 
in  the  deployment  of  troops  and  the  conveyance  of 
orders.  Not  one  failed  to  display  the  spirit  befitting 
the  occasion.  Time  was  what  we  were  fighting  for, 
and  gallantly  was  that  object  won. 


RETREAT  TOWARDS  INDEPENDENCE.  101 

Another  position  was  taken  about  two  miles  from 
Independence ;  McLain  going  into  battery  to  the 
right  of  the  road.  The  ground  was  open  to  the 
front  and  right  of  our  guns,  while  to  the  left,  was  a 
heavy  body  of  timber.  Through  this,  our  troops 
were  falling  back.  The  enemy  developed  heavy 
lines  at  this  point.  The  volleying  musketry  was 
almost  incessant.  General  Blunt  superintended  the 
placing  of  the  guns,  and  as  soon  as  our  troops  had 
fallen  back  sufficiently,  directed  them  to  open  on  the 
timber.  This  was  done  with  telling  effect,  with  can- 
ister and  case  shot.  The  howitzers  well  advanced, 
were  also  brought  into  play  ;  in  a  few  minutes  the 
rebel  musketry  fire  slackened,  and  then  ceased.  A 
charge  was  ordered  and  gallantly  executed,  the 
rebels  being  driven  back  from  our  left  and  front ; 
the  timber  was  cleared,  and  the  battery,  with  the 
llth  Kansas,  enabled  to  pass  to  the  rear  successfully. 

The  4th  Brigade  received  orders  to  cover  the 
retreat  towards  Independence.  This  was  done  by 
forming  one  half  our  line  across  the  road,  resisting 
until  too  hardly  pressed,  when  this  advance  was 
withdrawn  to  the  rear  of  a  second  line,  which  had 
in  the  meanwhile  been  formed  in  rear  of  the  first. 
In  this  way  the  enemy's  advance  was  hotly  contested 
up  to  the  very  outskirts  of  the  town.  Throughout 
the  whole  engagement,  Major  Hunt,  with  his 
howitzers,  was  at  the  extreme  front  of  our  lines. 
Lieutenant  Gill,  under  his  direction,  did  great 
execution. 


102  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

lETere  a  last  line  of  battle  had  been  formed,  the 
guns  placed  in  position,  and  the  division  deployed. 

nearly  all  of  our  militia  force,  supplies,  etc.,  had 
been  removed  to  the  Big  Blue.  General  Curtis 

had  been  actively  engaged  in  directing  the  evacua- 
tion. General  Lane  and  Colonel  Crawford  of  the 
Volunteer  staff,  remained  on  the  field,  having 
reported  to  General  Blunt. 

The  last  line  of  battle  being  thus  formed  on  the 
outskirts  of  the  town,  the  formidable  advantages 
accruing  to  us  from  the  possession  of  the  walls, 
fences,  houses,  etc.,  as  well  as  from  the  bloody  pun- 
ishment already  given  them,  made  the  enemy 
temporarily  stay  their  movement.  Advantage  was 
immediately  taken  to  withdraw  all  but  the  16th 
Kansas,  through  the  town,  towards  the  Big  Blue. 
The  llth  Kansas  was  to  relieve  the  16th,  so  soon  as 
supplied  with  cartridges.  The  conduct  of  the  16th, 
with  its  gallant  commanders,  Colonel  Walker  and 
Major  Ketner,  was  such  under  this  fiery  ordeal  as  to 
win  the  highest  praise.  Being  heavily  pressed,  it 
fell  back  to  the  2d  Colorado,  by  which  it  was 
supported.  Its  ammunition  became  exhausted,  yet 
it  received  the  rebel  fire  without  flinching,  falling 
slowly  back,  as  if  on  battalion  drill,  until  in  the 
town,  when  it  was  relieved  by  the  llth,  who  covered 
the  retreat  through  the  streets  unto  the  railroad 
bridge  on  the  east,  when,  it  being  then  quite  dark, 
the  enemy  ceased  pursuit. 


SEVEEE  LOSSES  OF  OUE  TROOPS.        103 

The  battle  had  lasted  for  eight  hours.  For  the 
first  three  the  enemy  were  held  at  bay  by  less  than 
six  hundred  men.  For  the  remaining  five,  3,000 
men  fought  over  six  miles  of  ground,  against  an 
enemy  increasing  in  numbers,  until  the  three  divisions 
of  Price's  army  were  developed,  thus  outnumbering 
us  ten  to  one.  The  great  advantage  gained  to  our 
arms,  and  one  which  materially  insured  our  subse- 
quent victories,  was  the  delay  thus  made.  The 
cavalry  of  General  Pleasanton  was  thus  brought 
within  striking  distance.  Besides,  the  punishment 
given  the  rebels  in  some  sort  compensated  our  loss. 
Prisoners  taken  afterwards  reported  the  rebel  loss, 
killed  and  wounded,  at  not  less  than  five  hundred. 

General  Blunt  estimated  our  loss  in  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  as  about  two  hundred.  Of 
this  the  2d  Brigade  lost  one  half.  The  Fourth  also 
suffered  heavily ;  Colonel  Ford  estimating  his  loss  at 
sixty.  The  1st  Brigade  suffered  the  least.  Lieuten- 
ant Gill,  of  the  howitzer  battery,  had  fifteen  horses 
killed ;  he  fired  the  last  shots  on  the  retreat. 

Quite  a  number  of  ofiicers  were  wounded.  Cap- 
tain IS".  I.  Gregg,  Company  "  M,"  received  a  severe 
gun-shot  wound  in  the  right  arm,  which  resulted  in 
a  permanent  disability.  Francis  J.  Gould,  Esq., 
acting  as  Volunteer  Aid  to  Colonel  Ford,  was  mor- 
tally wounded.  Lieutenant  Spencer,.  2d  Colorado, 
was  severely  wounded  in  the  foot.  Other  ofiicers 
were  injured. 


104  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

Many  noteworthy  and  striking  incidents  occurred 
during  the  day.  Towards  the  close  of  the  fighting, 
General  Curtis  received  a  telegram  from  the  War 
Department,  announcing  Sheridan's  splendid  victory 
at  Fisher's  Hill,  Va.,  with  the  capture  of  forty  guns, 
and  a  large  number  of  prisoners.  This  was  read  by 
the  General  to  the  volunteers  and  militia,  at  Inde- 
pendence, by  whom  it  was  welcomed  with  enthusi- 
astic cheers  for  the  Nation,  and  as  an  augury  of  the 
success  ultimately  to  crown  the  campaign  on  the 
Union's  right  flank,  in  which  they  were  now 
engaged. 

An  incident  occurred  which  showed  the  malevo- 
lent and  treacherous  character  of  that  smouldering 
rebel  sentiment,  that  in  Missouri  festered  beneath  a 
sullen  submission.  The  2d  Colorado  had  for  many 
months  been  stationed  at  Independence.  Its  officers 
were  humane  men,  mainly  conservative  in  their  ten- 
dencies. They  had,  however,  severely  punished  the 
bushwhackers  and  their  harborers.  While  the  regi- 
ment was  passing  through  the  town,  some  cowardly 
hand,  and  tlaat  a  woman's,  fired  from  a  window, 
wounding  a  Lieutenant.  The  family  residing  in  that 
house  had  lon£  enjoyed  the  protection  of  the  regi- 
ment. The  dastardly  act  was  suffered  to  go  unpun- 
ished, the  exigency  rendering  a  halt  impossible. 
Others  of  the. citizens  appeared  on  the  streets  to 
scoff  at  our  retiring  troops,  and  welcome  their  con- 
genial traitors. 


DEATH  OF  TODD  THE  GUEERILLA.      105 

George  Todd,  a  notorious  guerrilla  of  Jackson 
county,  was  shot  in  this  battle — it  is  believed  by 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Hoyt,  of  the  15th  Kansas.  He 
was  the  leader  of  the  "  Sam  Gaty"  Massacre,  in 
1863,  when  a  number  of  contrabands  were  taken 
and  murdered  in  cold  blood.  He  was  also  Quant- 
rille's  second  in  command,  at  the  terrible  butcheries 
of  Lawrence  and  Baxter  Springs,  in  August  and 
October  of  the  same  year. 

It  was  long  after  dark  when  our  exhausted  troops 
reached  the  Big  Blue.  Many  of  the  troops  were 
without  subsistence  for  several  days,  owing  to  the 
trains  being  sent  to  Kansas  City. 


CHAPTER    XI. 

MAECH  OF  EOSECEANS'  CAVALEY   FEOM  JEFFEESON  CITY 
TO    INDEPENDENCE. 

LEAVING  the  Kansas  Volunteers  and  Militia  en- 
camped upon  the  west  bank  of  the  Big  Blue,  anx- 
iously awaiting  the  dawn  of  the  22d,  we  turn 
towards  the  forces  of  General  Rosecrans,  and  mark 
their  progress  in  the  rear  of  the  Rebel  army. 

After  that  army  was  withdrawn  from  Jefferson 
City,  October  8th,  Brigadier-General  John  B.  San- 
born  was  ordered  by  Major-General  Alfred  Pleasan- 
ton,  who  had  arrived  and  assumed  command  on  the 
6th,  to  take  command  of  the  cavalry  there  concen- 
trated as  a  corps  of  observation,  and  follow  the 
enemy. 

This  force  consisted  of  regiments  and  detachments 
as  follows:  First,  3rd,  4th,  5th,  6th,  7th,  8th  and 
9th  Regiments  Missouri  State  Militia  ;  6th  and  7th 
Provisional  Enrolled  Militia  Regiments ;  2d  Arkan- 
sas Cavalry  ;  1st  Iowa  (Veteran)  Cavalry,  and  17th 
Illinois  Cavalry ;  Battery  "  H,"  2d  Missouri  Light 


ORGANIZATION    OF   BRIGADES.  107 

Artillery,  and  one  section  of  "  L"  Battery,  same 
regiments  ;  the  guns  under  Captain  Thurber.  The 
force  numbered  four  thousand  one  hundred  effective 
men,  with  eight  guns,  and  was  at  once  organized  into 
the  following  brigades : 

First  Brigade,  consisting  of  the  1st,  4th  and  7th 
M.  S.  M.  Cavalry,  and  the  1st  Iowa  Cavalry,  under 
command  of  Colonel  John  T.  Phillips  of  the  7th 
M.  S.  M. 

Second  Brigade,  consisting  of  the  3rd,  5th  and 
9th  M.  S.  M.  Cavalry,  and  the  17th  Illinois,  with  a 
battery  of  mountain  howitzers,  under  command  of 
Colonel  Beveridge,  of  the  17th  Illinois  Cavalry. 

Third  Brigade,  consisting  of  detachments  of  the 
6th  and  8th  M.  S.  M.  Cavalry,  6th  and  7th  Provi- 
sional E.  M.  M.  and  the  2d  Arkansas  Cavalry,  under 
command  of  Colonel  J.  J.  Gravelly,  of  the  8th  M. 
S.  M.  Cavalry. 

In  addition  to  this  force,  General  Rosecrans  was 
concentrating  a  force  under  Major-General  A.  J. 
Smith,  consisting  of  4,500  veteran  infantry,  belong- 
ing to  the  17th  Army  Corps ;  the  136th,  134th, 
135th,  136th,  139th,  140th  and  142d  Illinois  Volun- 
unteers  (100  days'  regiments)  ;  the  14th  Iowa ;  the 
47th  Missouri  Infantry  (Colonel  Fletcher's)  ;  and  the 
1st,  2d,  3rd,  4th  10th,  llth,  13th,  80th  and  85th 
Regiments  Enrolled  Missouri  Militia,  and  the  Na- 
tional Guard  of  St.  Louis.  The  latter  were  not 
taken  to  the  field.  This  division  numbered  nearly 


108  ARMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

10,000  effective  men.  It  was  moved  to  Jefferson 
City,  and  immediately  thereon  marched  westward. 

General  Sanborn  moved  on  the  8th.  Colonel 
Phillips  marched  towards  Versailles  and  Warsaw, 
upon  the  Springfield  road.  The  brigades  of  Colonel 
Beveridge  and  Colonel  Gravelly,  moved  along  the 
line  of  railroad  towards  California  and  Tip  ton. 
Phillips  reported  the  enemy  in  a  strong  position  at 
the  crossing  of  the  Moreau.  Colonel  Gravelly,  with 
one  section,  was  ordered  from  the  California  road,  to 
reinforce  Phillips.  The  enemy,  in  the  meanwhile, 
evacuated  their  position,  with  some  loss  in  killed  and 
wounded,  and  seventy  horses. 

Colonels  Phillips  and  Gravelly  bivouacked  near 
the  Moreau  that  night ;  the  2d  Brigade,  Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Beveridge,  on  Gray's  Creek,  ten  miles 
west  of  Jefferson. 

On  the  9th,  the  division  moved  towards  Versailles 
on  the  Springfield  road.  The  3rd  Brigade,  which 
had  moved  in  direct  pursuit,  soon  became  engaged. 
The  2d  advanced  to  its  support.  The  armies  were 
then  passing  through  heavily  timbered  country  east 
of  Russellville.  The  3rd  Brigade  was  dismounted  to 
act  as  skirmishers  of  the  division.  The  nature  of 
the  ground  admitted  of  sharp  resistance.  A  charge 
was  made  through  the  rebel  skirmish  line,  and  their 
rear  guard  reserve  attacked  by  Lieutenant  R.  B. 
Riggs,  Company  "  K,"  6th  M.  S.  M.,  who  fell  in  its 
execution.  The  enemy  moved  rapidly  through  Rus- 
sellville, leaving  their  dead  andwounded  in  our  hands. 


ENGAGEMENT    AT    CALIFORNIA.  109 

The  road  was  clear  to  the  open  prairie,  where  the 
rebel  column  and  train  could  be  seen.  Being  within 
range,  our  guns  opened  on  them.  They  continued 
to  move  forward  to  Versailles,  passing  all  roads 
turning  towards  the  right  to  California,  except  that 
of  High  Point. 

Believing  the  enemy  would  move  by  this  to  Boone- 
ville,  General  Sanborn  determined  to  take  the  short- 
est route  to  California,  hoping  to  strike  their  right, 
and  also  by  a  night  march  to  move  past  their  flank, 
and  reach  Warsaw  before  the  enemy. 

At  5  P.  M.,  the  column  reached  California,  but 
found  a  large  rebel  force  already  there ;  a  portion 
busy  in  tearing  up  the  railroad,  and  the  remainder 
in  -line  of  battle,  awaiting  our  approach.  Colonel 
Phillips'  Brigade  formed  in  close  column  of 
squadrons,  in  rear  of  crest-ridge  running  east  and 
west.  It  dismounted,  the  right  extending  to  the 
road  in  which  our  troops  were  marching,  and  the 
left  south-westerly  to  the  High  Point  Road.  Our 
artillery  opened  immediately.  Three  squadrons  of 
the  1st  Iowa  Cavalry  were  sent  to  the  left  to  watch 
that  flank.  The  other  brigades,  excepting  two 
regiments,  were  held  in  reserve.  Our  lines  then 
advanced  rapidly,  and  a  brief,  but  vigorous  engage- 
ment ensued.  As  the  left  entered  the  town,  the 
enemy  retired,  leaving  five  dead  in  our  hands.  Our 
loss  was  one  wounded.  We  bivouacked  for  the 
night,  it  being  quite  dark  when  the  firing  ceased. 


110  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

The  main  rebel  force  camped  on  the  Monteau, 
and  at  daylight  moved  out  on  the  Booneville  road. 
Shelby's  Division  occupied  Booneville  that  night. 
This  body  of  troops  constituted  the  advance  of 
Price's  army  during  its  westward  march.  The  larger 
number  were  originally  from  the  counties  through 
which  he  passed. 

On  the  10th.  General  Sanborn  started  at  daylight, 
marched  all  day,  bivouacking  at  night  nine  miles 
from  Booneville.  General  Fagan  was  reported 
moving  that  afternoon  into  the  town. 

Early  on  the  llth  we  demonstrated  on  the  various 
roads  leading  to  Booneville.  The  6th  Provisional 
Regiment,  E.  M.  M.,  Lieutenant-Colonel  McMahon, 
was  ordered  to  take  the  Pisgah  and  California  road. 
Colonel  Gravelley  moved  on  the  Tipton  Road. 
Colonel  Eppstien  with  the  5th  M.  S.  M.  was  sent 
west  to  the  Georgetown  Road,  advancing  till  he 
reached  the  enemy's  pickets,  and  found  whether  they 
had  moved  west. 

The  2d  Arkansas  encountered  the  rebel  pickets  on 
the  Tipton  road,  three  miles  from  town.  They  were 
driven  in  a  spirited  manner.  The  rebel  skirmish 
line  extended  for  two  miles.  The  6th  Regiment  E. 
M.  M.  joined  the  2d  Arkansas.  Lieutenant  Gideon, 
Company  "  H  "  of  this  regiment,  advanced  into  the 
outskirts  of  the  town,  driving  the  enemy.  Artillery 
was  opened  by  the  rebels.  Our  line  withdrew  a 
short  distance,  and  again  advanced.  A  dispatch 
from  Colonel  Eppstein  announced  that  the  enemy 


THE  SEVENTH  KANSAS.  Ill 

had  not  moved  west.  Our  forces  then  retired  to  the 
south  side  of  the  Petit  Saline.  Our  loss  was  three 
killed  and  twelve  wounded.  The  enemy's  is  known 
to  have  keen  fifteen  killed  and  twenty-eight  severely 
wounded,  besides  others  who  could  be  moved. 

On  the  12th  the  division  was  moved  back  to 
California,  where  four  days  rations  having  been 
obtained,  it  again  moved  on  the  13th.  Here  it  was 
reinforced  by  a  brigade  of  veteran  cavalry,  under 
Colonel  Catherwood,  13th  Missouri.  It  numbered 
1,500  effective  men,  and  consisted  of  the  13th  Mis-" 
souri,  the  7th  Kansas  Cavalry,  under  Major  Malone, 
and  a  detachment  of  the  2d  Missouri  Cavalry, 
under  Captain  Huston.  At  10  A.M.  the  division 
resumed  its  position  in  front  of  Booneville.  A 
reconnoissance  by  Captain  Turley,  7th  Kansas,  shewed 
the  enemy  moving  west,  crossing  the  Lamine  river  at 
Dug  and  Scott  fords. 

From  General  Sanborn's  published  report  to 
General  Pleasanton,  the  following  is  given,  which 
tersely  and  clearly  states  the  position  of  the  forces 
under  his  command,  immediately  anterior  to  General 
Blunt' s  engagement  at  Lexington.  General  Sanborn 


"  My  apprehension  was  that  the  enemy  would  move  by 
rapid  marches  to  Lexington  and  into  Kansas,  and  thereby 
prevent  the  organization  and  concentration  of  the  troops  of 
that  Department  on  the  border  against  him,  and  at  the 
same  time  place  so  great  a  distance  between  his  army  and 
the  infantry  and  cavalry  of  this  Department,  then  moving 
to  the  front  in  support  of  my  command,  that  it  would  be 
impossible  for  them  to  join  me  if  1  should  follow  him,  and 


112  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

thereby  avoid  a  battle  with  the  large  number  of  troops 
then  being  marshalled  for  that  purpose,  or  with  any  com- 
mand larger  than  my  own. 

"  Hence,  all  my  movements,  after  the  enemy  left  Boone- 
ville,  were  made  with  the  view  of  holding  the  enemy  in  or 
near  Saline  county,  until  the  Kansas  troops  were  organized 
and  on  the  border,  and  Winslow's  Brigade  of  Cavalry  and 
General  A.  J.  Smith's  command  of  infantry  and  artillery 
should  be  within  striking  distance.  I  therefore  moved  my 
command,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  force  under 
Captain  Turley,  which  was  ordered  to  follow  the  enemy's 
trail,  by  Neb's  Church,  through  Georgetown,  up  the 
Georgetown  and  Lexington  Road  to  Cook's  store,  arriving 
at  this  point  at  three  P.M.  on  the  15th  day  of  October,  with 
the  view  of  resisting  the  advance  of  the  enemy  and  attack- 
ing his  flanks  if  he  should  advance  immediately.  After 
the  first  day's  march  from  Booneville,  the  enemy  moved 
slowly,  portions  of  his  command  halting  a  short  time  near 
Marshall,  Arrow  Rock  and  Waverly.  Detachments  from 
my  command  reconnoitered  the  position  and  movements  of 
the  enemy  daily.  On  the  17th  day  of  October  some  move- 
ments were  reported  that  indicated  a  design  on  the  part  of 
the  enemy  to  move  south-east  through  Marshall,  and  his 
advance  not  having  appeared  at  Dover,  I  moved  south  to 
the  Black  "Water,  to  be  in  a  better  position  to  strike  the 
enemy  if  he  should  move  in  that  direction.  Subsistence 
supplies  had  also  been  exhausted  for  two  days,  and  it  was 
absolutely  necessary  to  get  a  train  from  Sedalia. 

"  Immediately  upon  my  command  moving  south  to  the 
Black  Water,  the  enemy  commenced  moving  west  rapidly. 

"  Subsistence  was  obtained  and  issued  on  the  19th  day 
of  October,  and  on  this  day  I  received  the  first  dispatch 
from  General  Blunt,  giving  the  force  and  position  of  the 
troops  from  Kansas,  and  indicating  a  state  of  readiness  on 
the  part  of  General  Curtis  and  himself.  On  the  same  day 
I  received  information  from  your  head-quarters  of  the 
arrival  of  "Winslow's  Brigade  of  Cavalry  and  General 
Smith's  Corps  at  Sedalia,  and  your  order  re-organizing  the 
cavalry  and  taking  immediate  command. 

"  I  sent  a  dispatch  to  Major-General  Blunt  immediately 
upon  receiving  his  dispatch, -informing  him  of  the  position 
of  the  enemy,  and  of  all  our  forces  and  intended  movements, 
and  having  on  this  day,  by  order  of  the  General  command- 


GENERAL  SANBOKN'S  MOVEMENTS.  113 

ing,  moved  the  1st  Brigade  to  Booneville  and  the  2d  Brigade 
to  Kirkpatrick's  Mills,  I  moved  with  the  third  Brigade  to' 
Cook's  Store  and  halted. 

"  At  3  P.M.  I  received  a  dispatch  from  Major-General 
Blunt,  then  in  Lexington,  and  sent  one  immediately  in 
return. 

*'  I  ordered  Colonel  John  E.  Phelps,  2d  Arkansas  Cav- 
alry to  move  forward  on  the  Dover  road  at  midnight,  till 
he  should  strike  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  or  reach  the 
Missouri  river. 

"  At  3  A.M.  a  dispatch  from  him  announced  that  the 
rebel  army  had  been  moving  through  Dover  West  during 
the  afternoon  and  evening  of  the  19th,  and  that  cannonad- 
ing was  heard  late  in  the  evening  in  the  direction  of 
Lexington  —  adding  that  he  would  move  forward  and 
attack  the  force  remaining  at  Dover. 

"  This  information  was  immediately  communicated  to 
the  General  commanding,  and  the  entire  force  at  once 
commenced  advancing. 

"  I  sent  dispatches  to  General  Blunt  on  the  evening  of 
the  19th,  and  again  on  the  morning,  of  the  20th.  None  of 
these  dispatches  reached  him,  and  I  consider  it  the  most 
unfortunate  thing  of  the  campaign  that  he  did  not  know 
our  position  and  plan  at  this  time..." 

An  -obvious  criticism  on  General  Sanborn's  move- 
ments, is,  that  he  was  compelled  to  lose  valuable  time 
in  obtaining  supplies ;  an  accident  which,  the  coun- 
try east  of  his  march  being  in  our  hands,  should  not 
have  been  allowed.  It  would  appear  also,  that  from 
five  to  six  thousand  well  appointed  cavalry  should 
have  more  successfully  impeded  the  enemy's  move- 
ments. General  Blunt,  at  Lexington,  with  two 
thousand  men,  fought  the  rebel  advance  for  six,  and 
hindred  their  movements  for  twenty-four  hours. 
Again  at  the  Little  Blue,  with  three  thousand,  Gen- 
erals Curtis  and  Blunt,  obstinately  resisted  them  one 

U 


114  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

day,  and  by  this  means  enabled  Pleasanton  to  attack 
them  at  Independence. 

On  the  19th,  General  Pleasanton  arrived  at  Dunks- 
burg,  and  assumed  command.  It  was  re-organized 
into  four  brigades ;  the  1st,  under  Brigadier-General 
Sanborn ;  the  2d,  under  Brigadier  General  Brown, 
and  the  3rd,  under  Brigadier  General  John  McNeil ; 
the  4th,  Col.  Winslow,  consisting  of  veteran  cavalry, 
belonging  to  the  17th  Army  Corps.  At  this  time, 
Gen.  Rosecrans  was  at  Sedalia.  General  Smith,  with 
the  Infantry,  moved  on  the  19th  towards  Lexington. 

At  2  P.  M.  of  the  19th,  our  troops  moved  in  the 
same  direction.  General  McNeil  being  in  advance, 
camped  that  night  ten  miles  from  that  place.  Being 
ordered  to  occupy  the  town,  General  McNeil  moved, 
and  at  midnight  entered  Lexington.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Eppstein,  with  the  5th  M.  S.  M.,  being  in 
advance,  were  fired  upon  by  two  separate  parties 
in  the  suburbs  of  the  town.  Seven  were  captured. 
The  city  was  evacuated  by  the  rebels,  and  the 
brigade  bivouacked  in  the  streets.  The  command 
had  marched  twenty-four  hours  without  forage — 
none  was  found  in  the  place — and  at  day -break 
McNeil  moved  via  Waverly  to  Fire  Prairie,  where 
he  again  bivouacked  without  forage  or  food. 

On  the  22d,  at  5  A.  M.,  the  division  moved  to  the 
crossing  of  the  Little  Blue.  The  bridge  was  found 
destroyed,  and  the  ford  impracticable  for  artillery. 
General  McNeil  still  led  the  column.  A  temporary 
bridge  was  hastily  constructed  under  the  direction 


CAPTURES    INDEPENDENCE.  115 

of  General  Pleasanton,  and  the  artillery  and  train 
passed.  General  McNeil,  with  a  part  of  his  brigade, 
moved  rapidly  forward,  attacking  the  rebel  rear 
guard,  consisting  of  two  brigades  of  Arkansians, 
Major-General  Fagan's  Division,  which  held  the 
eastern  approaches  to  Independence.  McNeil  de- 
ployed and  steadily  pressed  forward,  driving  Fagan 
from  each  position  for  several  miles,  though  the 
enemy  were  supported  by  a  well-directed  fire  from 
Parrott  guns.  General  Sanborn  was  sent  to  McNeil's 
support.  The  skirmishing  was  severe.  A  charge 
being  ordered,  General  McNeil  mounted  his  regi- 
ments as  they  came  up,  ordering  Colonel  Gather- 
wood,  with  the  13th  Missouri,  to  fall  upon  the  rebel 
rear  with  the  sabre.  The  order  was  brilliantly 
executed.  Forming  in  close  column  of  companies, 
Catherwood,  supported  by  the  Veteran  7th  Kansas, 
Major  Malone,  and  the  17th  Illinois,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Beveridge,  charged  through  the  streets, 
capturing  a  number  of  prisoners,  killing  and  wound- 
ing many,  and  taking  two  Parrott  guns,  formerly 
belonging  to  the  2d  Regiment  Missouri  Light  Artil- 
lery, which  were  captured  at  Pleasant  Hill,  La.,  by 
General  Dick  Taylor.  About  forty  of  the  Kansas 
wounded,  left  on  the  field  the  day  before  were  found 
in  Hospital.  Colonel  Phelps,  of  the  2d  Arkansas, 
participated  in  this  charge,  leading  his  regiment  on 
our  right  and  to  the  left  of  the  enemy's  position.  He 
captured  a  staff  officer  of  General  Cabell,  with  that 
officer's  sword.  It  is  reported  that  one  time  General 


116  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

Marraaduke  himself,  was  within  our  advanced  lines, 
but  escaped.  The  rebel  line  gave  way,  falling  back 
to  Sponge  creek,  where  they  re-formed  on  the  west- 
ern bank.  General  Sanborn  immediately  moved  by 
a  circuitous  route  for  the  purpose  of  turning  their 
position,  but  Colonel  Winslow's  Brigade  had  already 
driven  them  back,  and  continued  fighting  them 
towards  the  Big  Blue,  though  it  was  then  dark. 

General  McNeil  moved  out  at  midnight,  under 
orders  to  march  to  the  junction  of  the  Independence 
and  Hickman's  Mills,  on  Santa  Fe  road.  The  3rd 
M.  S.  M.,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mathews,  being  left  at 
Independence,  as  Provost  Guard. 

The  following  rebel  officers,  were  captured  in  this 
gallant  action  of  General  McNeil.  Several  were 
taken  near  Lexington  : 

Colonel  W.  D.  Baber,  45th  Arkansas ;  Lieutenant 
F.  Curtis,  of  M.  Jeff.  Thompson's  Staff;  Major  H. 
Carrolton,  Inspector  General  Slemmon's  Brigade ; 
Captain  F.  Davidson,  10th  Mo.  S.  G. ;  Lieutenant 
A.  W.  Smith,  Coffey's  Regiment ;  Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Young  (since  dead),  and  Lieutenant  J.  Kinder, 
Lowther's ;  Captain  H.  W.  Leumox  and  Lieutenant 
S.  B.  Hickough,  Crabtree's ;  Major  William  Cook, 
Freeman's  Brigade  Staff;  Captain  Wm.  M.  Morri- 
son and  Lieutenant  P.  M.  Little,  Gordon's ;  Lieuten- 
ant T.  H.  Morwin  and  Lieutenant  M.  C.  Thornburn, 
1st  Arkansas;  Captain  J.  B.  Moore,  Slayback's. 
Lieutenant  W.  B.  Walker,  Elliott's ;  Adjutant  Wm. 
A.  Redd  and  Lieutenant  J.  S.  Plattenberg,  Good- 


MOVEMENT  TO  THE  BIG  BLUE.         117 

win's.  Colonel  Young  was  a  former  resident  of 
Jackson  County,  Missouri,  and  an  active  bush- 
whacker in  '61-62. 

The  treatment  of  our  wounded  left  at  Lexington 
and  Independence,  by  the  rebels,  was  not  such  as  to 
materially  improve  the  reputation  for  chivalry  of 
which  they  boast  so  hugely.  An  instance  of  this 
was  seen  in  the  case  of  James  Thomas,  Company 
"  C,"  1 1th  Kansas  Cavalry,  left  severely  wounded  in 
the  outskirts  of  Lexington.  He  was  unable  to  move, 
and  after  being  stripped  naked,  was  ridden  over 
several  times  by  the  rebels,  and  otherwise  injured, 
while  not  one  offered  to  aid  him.  He  remained  thus 
exposed,  until  found  by  General  A.  J.  Smith,  on 
occupying  the  town,  who  had  him  carefully  attended. 

At  night,  on  the  22d,  General  McNeil  occupied  a 
position  upon  the  road  from  Independence,  leading 
south-west.  Colonel  Winslow  was  in  advance,  west 
on  the  road  to  Byrom's  Ford.  The  balance  of  the 
command  of  General  Pleasanton  in  the  rear,  ready 
to  move  at  peep  of  day.  General  Kosecrans  was  at 
Lexington,  with  General  Smith.  General  Curtis 
had  fallen  back  to  Westport  and  Kansas  City.  The 
main  rebel  army  was  concentrated  on  the  Blue,  west 
and  south  of  Westport. 

No  communication  had  yet  been  had  with  General 
Pleasanton,  since  the  failure  of  Sanborn's  messengers 
to  reach  Blunt  before  the  battle  of  Lexington.  The 
first  intelligence  was  received  at  sundown  by  a  vol- 
unteer scout,  Daniel  W.  Boutvvell,  2d  Regiment  K. 


118  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

S.  M.,  who  on  the  night  of  the  21st,  started  to  obtain 
information.  Boutwell  was  formerly  a  member  of 
the  6th  Kansas  Cavalry,  but  had  been  discharged. 
We  give  the  story  as  told  by  himself: 

"  He  received  his  instructions  from  General  Deitzler,  and 
without  papers  or  arms,  dressed  in  the  army  uniform,  left 
the  General's  Head-quarters  on  the  Blue,  about  1  o'clock 
at  night  and  rode  to  Kansas  city.  Leaving  his  horse  there 
he  took  a  skiff  and  started  down  the  river,  but  had  not  pro- 
ceeded but  a  few  miles,  when  his  boat  stuck  on  a  bar  and 
he  was  compelled  to  abandon  it.  He  made  his  way  to  the 
shore  the  best  way  he  could,  and  now  found  that  he  had 
reached  the  rebel  lines  and  was  tired  upon  by  the  pickets, 
the  ball  passing  but  a  few  inches  from  him.  Carefully 
concealing  himself  in  the  brush,  he  moved  stealthily  along 
and  passed  the  pickets.  From  this  point,  he  went  above 
the  lower  ford  of  the  Big  Blue,  which  was  held  by  the 
rebels,  and  finding  the  mud  very  deep,  threw  in  rails  and 
lying  down  attempted  the  passage.  About  half  way  over 
lie  slipped  off  the  rails  and  was  immersed  in  mud,  thin 
and  slimy,  three  or  four  feet  deep.  By  dint  of  hard  work 
and  perseverance,  he  succeeded  in  reaching  the  other  side, 
and  passed  on  by  Independence,  carefully  avoiding  roads, 
pickets  and  guards.  About  daylight,  for  miles  below  Inde- 
pendence, he  came  within  sight  of  the  rear  of  Price's 
army,  five  thousand  strong,  left  to  oppose  Pleasanton. 

Passing  to  the  left  of  this,  he  had  proceeded  but  a  few 
miles  through  the  timber,  when  he  was  ordered  to  halt, 
and  turning,  saw  three  men  with  guns  drawn  on  him. 
They  beckoned  for  him  to  come  up,  and  asked  who  he  was. 
He  replied,  that  he  supposed  he  was  their  prisoner.  They 
examined  his  uniform  and  wished  to  know  if  he  was  a 
federal  soldier.  He  replied,  that  he  was,  and  much  to  his 
surprise  was  told  he  was  "  all  right  then." 

These  three  men  proved  to  be  George  Smiley,  and  two 
other  members  of  the  Rush  Bottom  Company  of  Missouri 
State  Militia,  who  had  been  cut  off  from  their  command 
the  day  before,  in  the  fight  with  Blunt  at  the  Little  Blue, 
and  had  not  been  able  to  get  out  of  the  rebel  lines.  One 
of  these  guided  our  hero  on  through  the  country  four  or 
five  miles  and  took  him  to  a  house,  where  he  was  furnished 


PLEAS  ANTON   PRESSES    FORWARD.  119 

breakfast.  A  short  time  after  he  left  this  man,  he  came 
within  sight  of  the  rebel  pickets,  and  evading  them  passed 
to  one  side,  one  of  the  rebel  pickets  coming  within  twenty 
yards  of  him.  When  nearly  opposite  them,  Pleasanton's 
pickets  commenced  firing  upon  the  rebels.  After  the  firing 
had  ceased,  Boutwell  went  up  to  the  road,  but  seeing  no 
one,  and  the  tracks  showing  the  federals  had  advanced,  he 
proceeded  towards  the  main  army.  He  had  travelled 
about  a  mile,  when  he  met  a  soldier  who  conducted  him  to 
the  General's  Head-quarters,  at  the  ford  of  the  Little  Blue. 
The  army  was  moving  slowly  along,  intending  to  camp 
soon  for  the  day.  Boutwell  was  introduced  to  the  pres- 
ence of  Generals  Pleasanton,  McNeil  and  Sanborn. 

"  Boutwell  asked  the  Generals  if  they  '  would  receive  a 
verbal  message  from  a  muddy  man.'  Pleasanton  replied 
that  he  would,  and  he  proceeded  to  deliver  his  message. 
The  General  examined,  re-examined  and  cross-examined 
his  informant,  until  fully  satisfied  of  the  correctness  of  his 
statements,  and  said  that  he  had  been  ready  to  attack  for 
several  days,  and  not  having  heard  any  thing  from  above, 
and  realizing  that  it  was  slow  business  to  organize  militia, 
feared  that  they  were  not  ready  for  him  to  move." 

Upon  the  information  brought  by  Boutwell, 
General  Pleasanton  determined  to  press  forward 
energetically.  The  engagement  at  Independence 
followed.  Messengers  were  sent  to  General  Curtis, 
who  reached  him  at  sundown. 


CHAPTER   XII. 


BATTLES    ON    THE    BIG    BLUE    AND    STATE   LINE. 

THE  entire  force  under  General  Curtis  rested  on  the 
night  of  the  21st,  upon  the  west  bank  of  the  Big 
Blue,  the  main  body  at  and  adjacent  to  the  road 
leading  from  Independence  and  Kansas  City.  Pur- 
suant to  order,  General  Deitzler  retired  to  this  point 
during  the  forenoon  of  the  21st,  from  Independence. 
He  found  Colonel  Blair,  with  a  considerable  force  of 
militia,  two  sections  of  the  9th  Battery  Wisconsin 
Volunteers,  under  Captain  Dodge  and  Lieutenant 
Hicks,  and  a  section  of  the  2d  Kansas  Battery.  A 
great  deal  of  work  had  been  done  to  render  this  very 
strong  position  more  defensible.  The  east  bank  was 
open  country  to  the  front  and  right,  while  the  west 
bank  rose  abruptly  as  precipitous  bluffs,  well  covered 
with  timber  and  brush,  quite  difficult  of  access,  and 
makes  a  defile  for  the  road  to  pass  through.  South 
of  the  road  the  timber  was  dense — ground  broken. 
North  of  the  road,  were  open  fields  sloping  moder- 


POSITION    OF    TKOOPS.  123 

ately  to  within  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  of  the  stream. 
The  roads  from  fords  crossing  the  Blue,  all  converged 
to  Westport  and  Kansas  City.  North  of  the  main 
ford,  was  one  other  at  the  mouth,  three  miles  above. 
Here  a  small  steamboat  was  stationed,  as  also  a  bat- 
talion of  the  19th  Kansas  State  Militia,  Col.  Hogan, 
two  hundred  and  fifty  strong.  The  4th  and  19th 
had  reported  to  Colonel  Blair,  Commanding  3rd 
Brigade,  1st  Division,  by  order  of  General  Deitzler. 

Every  thing  being  in  readiness  for  the  expected 
emergency,  transportation  was  all  sent  back  to  Kan- 
sas City.  At  that  point  and  Wyandotte,  by  direc- 
tion of  Colonel  Weir,  23rd  Regiment  K.  S.  M., 
alarm  guns  were  fired  at  midnight,  and  the  militia 
aroused.  A  considerable  body  of  colored  troops 
moved  during  the  night,  as  did  the  10th  and  23rd 
Regiments,  also  militia  and  volunteers  from  Kansas 
City. 

The  main  line,  our  left  and  centre,  extended  for 
six  miles.  The  19th  Regiment  held  the  extreme 
left,  when,  on  the  morning  of  the  22d,  the  troops 
waited  the  rebel  approach.  North  of  the  road  was 
formed  the  6th  Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel  James 
Montgomery ;  then  the  colored  volunteers,  about 
six  hundred  strong  (the  mounted  companies  being 
retained  with  their  local  militia  regiments).  Imme- 
diately to  their  rear,  in  the  open  ground,  was  sta- 
tioned the  9th  Wisconsin  Battery,  and  to  the  right, 
under  direction  of  Captain  Dodge,  the  two  Parrotts 
of  Lieutenant  Minor.  The  guns  were  supported  by 
15* 


124  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

the  5th  Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel  Colton,  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Eves'  Battalion  from  Bourbon 
county. 

Above  the  main  crossing,  McLain's  Colorado  Bat- 
tery held  a  commanding  position.  The  4th  Brigade 
was  formed  to  support  it,  with  the  12th  Regiment 
K.  S.  M.,  Colonel  Treat.  The  second  Colorado  sup- 
plied the  pickets  to  the  east.  One  was  advanced  to 
Rock  Ford,  four  miles  from  Independence.  Six  com- 
panies, under  Captain  Green,  were  thrown  across  as 
skirmishers,  and  remained  until  the  left  and  centre 
retired  to  Kansas  City. 

At  Simmons'  Ford,  two  miles  south,  the  10th 
Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel  Wm.  Pennock,  was  sta- 
tioned, supporting  a  section  of  the  2d  Kansas  Bat- 
tery. Early  on  the  morning  of  the  22d,  Colonel 
Moonlight  moved  to  this  point  with  the  llth  Kansas 
and  assumed  command.  Above  this  a  cattle  ford — 
known  as  Hinkle's — was  left  comparatively  un- 
guarded. Three  miles  from  Simmons'  Ford  is 
Byrom's.  This  proved  to  be  the  main  point  of 
attack.  Roads  to  Independence  and  Ray  town  cross 
here,  and  to  the  west  run  roads  which  diverge  to 
Kansas  City  or  Westport,  striking  between  both,  or 
moving  out  towards  the  State  line. 

Colonel  Blair  had,  the  evening  previous,  directed 
Colonel  McCain,  with  mounted  battalion  of  the  4th 
K.  S.  M.,  to  proceed  to  this  ford,  hold  the  same,  and 
scout  thoroughly  the  eastern  bank  and  roads ;  also 
to  open  communication  with  the  force  at  Russell's 


COLONEL    MCCAIN'S    MOVEMENTS.  125 

Ford  on  the  Hickman's  Mills  road,  some  miles  to  the 
south.  It  was  late  at  night  when  the  4th  Regiment 
proceeded  to  its  destination.  Compelled  to  cross  the 
Blue,  it  moved  almost  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  over 
a  rough  country,  and  by  blind  and  broken  roads. 
At  1  P.  M.,  Colonel  McCain  halted  his  command  in 
the  bottom  near  Byrom's  Ford,  to  await  daylight, 
and  thus  enable  him  to  ascertain  his  whereabouts. 

In  the  morning  at  break  of  day,  he  occupied  his 
assigned  position.  Dispatches  were  sent  to  Hick- 
man's with  an  escort  of  twenty-one  men.  This  party 
was  attacked  soon  after  daylight,  two  miles  from  the 
Ford,  and  all  but  one  taken  prisoners.  He  escaped 
by  the  fleetness  of  his  horse.  Aaron  Cook,  one  of 
the  prisoners,  was  murdered  in  cold  blood. 

Major  Hazen  was  sent  with  a  detachment  to  hold 
another  ford,  long  disused,  some  distance  above. 
He  came  across  a  rebel  straggler,  played  "secesh" 
on  him,  obtaining  much  valuable  information,  and 
then  brought  him  into  camp.  At  nine  A.  M., 
Colonel  Jennison,  with  the  1st  Brigade,  took  position 
at  Byrom's  Ford. 

Still  further  above  was  the  ford  known  as  Russell's, 
or  Hickman's  Mills  Crossing.  This  was  of  consider- 
able importance.  General  M.  S.  Grant,  through 
General  Deitzler,  had  been  directed  to  hold  this 
position  with  militia ;  two  regiments  of  cavalry  and 
one  gun  being  detailed  for  that  purpose  under  the 
following  order : 


126  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

HEAD-QUARTERS  KANSAS  STATE  MILITIA,  } 
CAMP  AT  SHAWNEE,  KANSAS, 

Oct..  20th,  1864.      ) 

SPECIAL  ORDER,  ) 
No.  15.         f 

I.  The  commanding  officer,  1st  Brigade,  will,  on  receipt 
of  this  order,  move  the  2d  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel  Yeale   com- 
manding, and  the  21st  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel  Lowe  command- 
ing, to  the  crossing  of  the  Big  Blue,  near  Hickman's  Mills, 
Missouri. 

II.  The  officers  commanding  this  force,  on  arriving  at 
the  point  designated,  will  proceed  at  onee  to  fortify  that 
crossing  for  defensive  purposes,  and  picket  thoroughly  the 

country  on  the  opposite  side. 
*****  *  ** 

By  order  of  Major-General  Deitzler,  K.  S.  M. 

JOHN  T.  MORTON,  A.  A.  G. 

The  Leavenworth  Battery  was  designated  as  part 
of  this  force,  but  as  elsewhere  stated,  it  abandoned 
the  field  and  returned  home.  Colonel  Veale's 
immediate  command  consisted  of  the  cavalry  of  the 
2d  and  3rd  Regiments,  numbering  about  seven 
hundred  men.  The  21st,  Colonel  Lowe,  numbered 
about  five  hundred.  A  brass  twenty-four  pound 
howitzer,  belonging  to  Company  "A,"  2d  Regiment, 
under  Captain  Ross  Burnes,  was  attached.  Colonel 
Veale  moved  on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  crossed 
the  State  line,  marched  through  Westport  and  to 
the  ford  near  Hickman's  Mills,  where  he  encamped. 
Here  the  guns  at  the  Little  Blue  were  plainly 
heard,  and  the  militia  fully  realized  that  they  were 
in  face  of  an  enemy,  and  about  to  fight  for  their 
homes.  The  same  night  a  bushwhacking  force, 
under  Lieutenant  Hears,  said  to  be  four  hundred 


MOVEMENT    OF    COLONEL    VEALE.  127 

strong,  surprised  a  company  of  Missouri  Militia, 
under  Captain  Tate,  at  Hickman's  Mills;  and  passed 
within  range  of  our  pickets. 

At  sunrise,  Colonel  Veale  receiving  a  dispatch 
from  General  Grant,  stating  his  inability  to  join  at 
an  early  hour  with  balance  of  brigade,  fell  back, 
according  to  direction,  to  the  Moccabee  Farm  (a  well 
known  Union  man's),  one  and  a  half  miles  in  the 
direction  of  Westport.  This  would  give  him  an  oppor- 
tunity of  supporting  the  force  at  Byrom's  Ford. 

Such  was  the  position  of  our  forces  along  the  line 
of  the  Big  Blue,  before  the  enemy  attacked  our 
right.  It  extended  for  nearly  fifteen  miles,  and 
could  not  be  otherwise  than  weak  at  isolated  points. 
The  main  body  of  the  State  Militia  (infantry)  were 
at  Kansas  City,  or  concentrating  there  from  Shawnee 
Town  and  Leavenworth.  A  battalion  from  Osage 
County  encamped  the  night  of  the  21st  at  Little 
Santa  Fe,  and  moved  up  the  line  in  time  to  partici- 
pate in  the  engagements.  A  battalion  of  the  13th 
Regiment,  and  also  one  of  the  23rd,  under  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonels Johnson  and  Guildford,  participated 
in  the  movements  on  our  extreme  right. 

About  9  o'clock  A.  M.,  a  small  body  of  cavalry 
demonstrated  on  the  main  road,  east  of  the  centre. 
It  was  a  feint  to  cover  movements  to  the  south-west. 
Captain  Green  drove  back  this  force.  A  small 
scouting  party  also  appeared  at  the  cavalry  ford  on 
our  extreme  left,  but  retired  before  the  militia. 


128  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

General  Deitzler  had  command  of  the  left,  Gen- 
eral Blunt  the  right  and  centre.  General  Curtis' 
Head-Quarters  were  about  a  mile  from  the  ford,  and 
afterwards  further  west,  at  the  forks  of  roads  to 
Kansas  City  and  Westport.  Early  in  the  forenoon, 
becoming  convinced  that  the  rebels  were  moving 
up  the  stream,  orders  were  sent  through  Major 
McKenny  to  General  Deitzler,  to  reinforce  Colonel 
Jennison.  The  16th  Kansas,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Walker,  which  had  reported  to  General  Deitzler,  was 
ordered  to  Byrom's  Ford,  as  was  also  Colonel  Moon- 
light, with  the  2d  Brigade. 

At  Byrom's  Ford,  Colonel  Jennison  had  timber 
felled  to  obstruct  the  crossing.  The  position  was  a 
strong  one,  and  the  ford  was  rendered  almost 
impregnable.  Two  companies,  15th  Kansas,  under 
Captains  Swain  and  Greene,  were  sent  across  the 
stream  to  scout.  Afterwards,  a  battalion,  under 
Major  Laing,  were  sent  up  stream  towards  Hick- 
man's  Mills,  and  did  not  rejoin  the  brigade  until 
after  Price  retreated  south.  Captain  Greene  returned 
to  the  main  ford  in  safety,  though  narrowly  escaping 
capture.  Captain  Swain  retained  his  post  at  the 
forks  of  the  Raytown  and  Independence  roads,  until 
the  enemy  had  passed  between  him  and  the  ford, 
as  well  as  to  the  south,  moving  towards  Hickman's 
Mills.  He  found  himself  in  a  perilous  position,  and 
almost  surrounded.  Swain  determined  to  make  an 
attempt  to  escape,  hoping  to  pass  between  the 
moving  columns  as  a  part  of  the  rebel  force.  This 


A    GALLANT   ESCAPE.  129 

design  was  materially  assisted  by  the  fact,  that  many 
of  the  confederates  wore  blue  overcoats,  captured 
from  our  men.  Addressing  his  men,  he  told  them  if 
they  would  obey  orders  and  hold  together,  he  could 
take  them  through.  Moving  to  the  west,  skirting 
the  timber,  he  passed  a  short  distance  without 
attracting  attention,  though  the  sound  of  artillery 
and  other  movements,  showed  that  our  position  had 
been  attacked.  On  the  east  and  south,,  heavy  col-, 
umns  could  be  seen  moving  and  closing  to.  his  front, 
while  the  timber  seemed  to  swarm,  with  rebel  scouts. 
The  squadron  was  seen,  pursued ;,  the  race  became 
exciting  and  desperate,  and  our  men,  though  holding 
well  together,  were  almost  headed  off..  They  went 
by  the  head  of  the  rebel  column  with  a,  dash,  sabre 
and  revolver  in  hand,  reins  in  teeth,  passed  the 
flankers,  and  succeeded  in  escaping  without  loss. 
The  squadron  moved  rapidly  beyond  the  enemy, 
reached  and  passed  round  Hickman's  Mills,  crossing 
the  line  into  Kansas,,  rejoining  their  regiment  at  or 
near  Little  Santa  Fe.. 

To  return  to  ByromY  Ford,  where  Shelby's 
advance  was  attempting-  to  cross,  Colonel  Jennison 
placed  the  howitzers  in  the  road  commanding  the 
east  bank,  and  deployed  a  strong  skirmish  line.  For 
hours  the  rebels  made  but  little  progress,  having 
commenced  the  attack  at  1 1 ,  and  not  forcing  a  pas- 
sage till  3  P.  M.  It  is  certain  that  a  portion  of  the 
attacking  force  crossed  at  cattle  fords,  both  above 
and  below  Colonel  Jennison's  position.  On  finding 
16 


130  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

itself  flanked,  the  1st  Brigade  fell  back  towards 
Westport,  fighting  at  every  available  point.  Dis- 
patches were  sent  to  Generals  Curtis  and  Blunt. 
The  latter,  hearing  the  guns,  had  previously  ordered 
Colonel  Moonlight,  and  the  16th  Kansas,-  to  support 
the  1st  Brigade.  McLain's  Battery  was  also  with- 
drawn from  its  position  and  ordered  towards  West- 
port.  It  was  found  impossible  to  reach  the  Byrom's 
Ford  road  with  artillery  by  any  shorter  route  than 
this.  Thus  our  lines  were  driven  back,  and  the 
rebels  crossed  the  stream  in  force,  moving  a  heavy 
column,  under  General  Shelby  himself,  towards  the 
State  line,  passing  round  by  roads  south-east  of 
Westport.  Another  body  of  rebels  moved  directly 
to  that  place,  passing  to  the  left  of  Colonel  Jennison, 
by  whom  they  were  supposed  to  be  Kansas  Militia. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Sam  Walker,  moving  with  the 
16th  Cavalry,  to  the  support  of  Jennison,  discovered 
them  and  halted  his  command,  sending  back  skir- 
mishers under  Captain  Wright.  He  held  them 
handsomely  in  check.  They  commenced  to  flank  us 
on  the  left.  Again  the  16th  fell  slowly  back  to  the 
outskirts  of  Westport,  and  with  the  assistance  of  a 
battalion  of  militia  cavalry,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
M.  Murdock,  kept  the  enemy  out  until  the  arrival  of 
Colonel  Ford  compelled  them  to  retreat  to  the  Blue. 
Major  McKenny  rallied  the  militia  and  placed  them 
in  a  position  to  do  good  service. 

The   1st   Brigade    moved   steadily  to  the   open 
prairie,  four  miles  below  Westport,  near  the  State 


ENGAGEMENT    ON   THE   LINE.  131 

line.  Upon  reaching  the  line  road,  Colonel  Moon- 
light, with  the  llth  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry, 
the  12th  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia,  two 
Parrott  guns  and  four  howitzers,  joined  the  com- 
mand. The  head  of  Shelby's  Division  was  then 
near  the  line,  and  almost  into  Kansas.  Both 
brigades  formed  in  line,  and  the  action  commenced 
fiercely.  A  body  of  militia  (battalion  of  the  13th, 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnson),  were  formed  in 
line  of  battle  to  the  rear  of  the  1st  Brigade.  The 
engagement  became  sharp  and  general. 

Our  forces  had  been  strengthened  by  the  body 
guard  of  General  Curtis,  who,  at  Westport,  had 
directed  Major  Hunt  to  reinforce  Colonel  Jennison. 
The  Colonel  directed  him,  as  they  met  on  the 
Byrom's  Ford  road,  to  fall  back  towards  Westport  and 
assist  in  holding  that  place  against  the  rebel  flanking 
column.  Here  Colonel  Moonlight  was  joined  by 
Major  Hunt,  and  all  passed  out  to  the  south.  Two 
rifled  guns  had  been  brought  up  by  Shelby,  and 
the  field  was  hotly  contested ;  but  we  continuea  to 
drive  them  steadily  for  nearly  four  miles  and  until 
dark,  back  to  the  Big  Blue.  The  14th  Regiment, 
Kansas  State  Militia,  Colonel  Harvey,  on  its  march 
to  Kansas  City,  arrived  in  sight  of  the  enemy,  and 
were  deployed  on  the  high  prairie  in  support  of  our 
troops.  Among  the  most  efficient  volunteers  on 
this  occasion,  was  an  Aide  of  General  Grant,  Kansas 
State  Militia,  Dr.  Dubois,  of  Leavenworth,  who 
rendered  Colonel  Jennison  great  assistance  in  con- 


132  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

veying  orders,  riding  to  the  most  exposed  portion  of 
our  lines.  The  fighting  was  principally  done  by  our 
skirmishers,  eight  companies  being  deployed  for  that 
purpose.  Four  or  five  companies  of  the  llth  and 
the  remainder  of  the  15th — the  former  under  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Plumb,  and  the  latter  under  Captains 
Wanless  and  Johnson  and  Major  Hunt,  who  assumed 
command  of  our  skirmish  line  after  the  engagement 
opened — composed  our  advance.  The  work  was 
most  gallantly  executed.  As  the  1st  and  2d 
Brigades  came  up  at  different  parts  of  the  engage- 
ment, no  general  direction  was  taken  by  either  com- 
mander ;  Colonel  Jennison  being  the  senior  officer, 
however,  Colonel  Moonlight  formed  on  his  left. 
Major  Hunt  took  command  of  the  skirmish  line. 
Under  his  direction,  the  formation  was  completed,  a 
steady  forward  movement  made,  and  success  insured. 
When  the  rebels  withdrew,  the  Major  was  loudly 
cheered  by  the  men,  who  realized  that  this  result 
was  largely  due  to  his  efforts. 

When  the  sun  went  down,  Shelby's  Division  had 
melted  from  the  field.  They  had  fallen  back  to  the 
Big  Blue,  where  a  long  line  of  fires  and  heavy 
columns  of  smoke  told  of  the  presence  of  a  large 
army.  Our  troops  retired  to  Westport,  which  was 
already  occupied  by  the  16th  Kansas  ;  Colonel  Ford 
with  the  2d  Colorado  Cavalry,  and  McLain's  Battery 
covering  the  roads  to  Kansas  City. 

Colonel  Ford  with  a  portion  of  his  regiment  and 
the  1 2th  K.  S.  M.  had  been  ordered  from  the  centre 
to  reinforce  Jennison  about  3  P.M. 


REBEL  DEFEAT  AT  SUNDOWN.         133 

In  this  engagement  our  loss  was  inconsiderable, 
while  the  results  were  most  conspicuous.  Gallantry 
was  never  more  heartily  displayed.  Each  man  felt 
he  was  defending  his  own  fire-side.  The  conscious- 
ness of  the  devastation  to  which  Kansas  would  be 
doomed  in  the  event  of  a  rebel  invasion — the 
memory  of  Lawrence  and  other  raids — nerved  every 
arm,  and  filled  the  heart  of  our  soldiers  with  fierce 
resolve  not  to  be  defeated,  however  great  were  the 
odds.  The  loss  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  was 
reported  at  over  one  hundred.  We  captured  one 
hundred  and  fifty  stand  of  small  arms  from  dead  and 
wounded  left  on  the  field.  Among  the  prisoners  was 
a  Lieutenant  of  Jackman's  Regiment,  who  reported 
the  entire  rebel  army  on  the  Blue  as  numbering 
30,000,  and  intending  to  fight  in  the  morning  for  the 
possession  of  Kansas  City. 

To  return  to  the  force  at  the  Hickman's  Mills 
crossing — our  extreme  right — and  the  events  which 
transpired  there. 

Colonel  Veale  having  moved  back  to  the  Moc- 
abee  farm,  formed  his  command  in  line  of  battle, 
covering  the  road  to  Byrom's  Ford.  Then,  with  his 
Adjutant,  Lieutenant  E.  P.  Kellum,  and  an  escort  of 
twelve  men,  he  moved  down  the  road  to  commu- 
nicate with  Colonel  Jennison ;  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Greene  being  left  in  command  of  the  Brigade. 

General  M.  S.  Grant,  accompanied  by  the  21st 
K.  S.  M.,  soon  after  arrived  on  the  ground.  On  the 
return  of  Colonel  Veale,  who  reported  all  right  at 


134  ARMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

the  ford,  it  was  determined  to  move  forward  and 
occupy  the  position  originally  assigned  them.  Col. 
Veale,  with  six  companies  moved  to  the  east  side 
of  the  Blue,  reconnoitering  towards  Independence ; 
Captain  Hindman,  with  the  Douglas  County  Battal- 
ion, being  left  in  charge  of  the  train  and  ford. 

A  messenger  had  previously  reached  Grant,  with 
the  following  dispatch  from  General  Curtis : 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  FORKS  OF  THE  ROAD,        ) 
9  A.  M.,  Oct.  22d,  1864.    f 

GENERAL  GRANT  : — Price  is  making  very  feeble  demon- 
strations in  front.  Look  out  for  your  position.  Send 
scouts  on  road  to  Pleasant  Hill,  and  also  towards  Inde- 
pendence, to  see  if  Price  is  moving  towards  my  flank. 
Send  me  reports  every  thirty  minutes. 

S.  R.  CURTIS,  Major-General. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Guildford  with  battalion  of 
the  23rd  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia,  reached 
"Westport  about  10  A.  M.,  and  was  ordered  to  report 
to  Colonel  Veale.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnson  also 
reported  with  battalion  of  the  13th.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Abernathy  was  sent  with  a  party  to 
communicate  with  Colonel  Jennison.  On  his  return, 
Colonel  Lowe  was  sent  to  the  Rock  Ford  on  the 
Little  Blue,  upon  the  Pleasant  Hill  road.  At  the 
crossing  were  retained,  under  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Guildford,  his  own  battalion ;  that  of 
the  13th,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnson ;  Captain 
Hindrnan's,  3rd  Regiment,  and  the  twenty-four- 
pouud  howitzer.  Colonel  Veale  moved,  as  ordered, 
on  the  Hickmau's  Mills  road,  without  finding  the 


GENERAL    GRANT?' S    ACTION.  135 

enemy.  On  his  return  he  halted  to  feed,  and  was 
met  by  General  Grant,  who  had  also  crossed  the 
stream  to  examine  the  country.  Returning  with 
Colonel  Veale,  they  were  met  at  the  crossing  by 
dispatches  directing  Grant  to  reinforce  Jennison,  who 
had  been  driven  from  Byrom's  Ford.  Arriving  at 
the  west  side,  it  was  found  that  Colonel  Guildford 
had  moved  without  orders  in  the  direction  of 
Westport.  The  difficulty  in  the  management  of 
affairs  here,  seems  to  have  been  that  General  Grant 
scattered  too  much,  sending  out  too  heavy  recon- 
noitering  parties,  and  not  keeping  the  troops  well  in 
hand.  The  gun  had  also  moved  back,  and  as  was 
soon  seen,  was  left  with  only  the  detachment 
belonging  thereto,  to  protect  and  defend  it.  A 
dispatch  was  sent  to  Colonel  Lowe,  directing  his 
speedy  return.  This  reached  him  at  Hickman's 
Mills.  Major  Laing,  with  four  companies  of  the 
15th  Kansas  Cavalry,  was  also  with  him.  An  Aide 
of  General  Curtis,  Lieutenant  Cyrus  M.  Roberts, 
found  this  force  and  returned  to  the  Blue  with  it. 
Laing  was  charged  with  want  of  alacrity  in  moving 
as  directed. 

In  the  meantime  it  was  found  that  our  troops  were 
engaged  near  the  Mocabee  farm,  and  General  Grant, 
believing  that  Colonel  Lowe  would  soon  be  up, 
determined,  contrary  to  the  recommendations  of 
Colonel  Veale,  to  push  forward  to  the  prairie  on  the 
Westport  Road.  The  rebels,  who  had  crossed 
between  Byrom's  and  Russell  Fords,  attacked  Cols. 


136  ARMY    OF    THE    BOEDER. 

Guildford  and  Johnson  in  the  lane.  Captain 
Hindman's  battalion  had  fled,  leaving  the  train. 
The  others  had  been  driven  from  the  field  in  the 
direction  of  Westport.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnson 
afterwards  moved  out  to  the  support  of  Colonel 
Jennison  at  the  State  line  fight. 

Captain  Burnes,  marching  in  rear  of  Guildford, 
was  challenged  in  the  lane  by  a  rebel  ofiicer.  A 
heavy  line  was  deployed,  and  the  rebels  opened  fire 
upon  the  little  handful  of  twenty-one  men  who  were 
with  the  gun.  Private  Race  and  the  Captain 
returned  to  the  gun,  which,  in  spite  of  the  odds, 
returned  the  rebel  fire  with  a  shell  At  this  time 
Colonel  Veale,  with  -a  battalion,  numbering  in  all 
not  over  two  hundred  and  fifty  men,  formed  to  sup- 
port the  gun.  The  rebel  force  in  our  front  was 
under  Jackman,  and  in  spite  of  the  disparity  of 
numbers,  their  advance  was  for  some  time  checked. 
A  rebel  ofiicer  rode  up  to  Colonel  Veale,  and,  mis- 
taking him  for  one  of  their  own  officers,  was  captured. 
It  proved  to  be  a  nephew  of  General  Shelby.  The 
gallant  militia  formed  under  a  galling  fire,  and 
maintained  the  unequal  conflict  for  about  forty 
minutes.  Expecting  the  arrival  of  Colonel  Lowe, 
General  Grant  hesitated  to  withdraw,  though  urged 
to  do  so  by  Colonel  Veale.  Our  first  line  of  battle 
was  broken  in  some  confusion,  but  speedily  re-formed, 
and  the  men  continued  the  conflict  with  the  coolness 
of  veterans,  exhibiting  none  of  the  characteristics  of 
raw  militia.  It  was  the  very  apotheosis  of  valor,  and 


RETEEAT   FROM    RUSSELL' 8    FORD.  137 

well  deserves  a  place  among  the  heroic  actions  of 
this  war. 

The  continued  resistance,  so  deadly  and  effective, 
of  this  puny  handful,  exasperated  the  rebels  to  mad- 
ness, and  finally  their  whole  line,  which  had  been 
strengthened  until  it  numbered  3,000  men,  charged 
with  a  yell,  almost  overwhelming  the  little  band. 
This  onslaught  drove  our  force  parallel  to  the  lane. 
The  rebels  dismounted  and  occupied  a  locust  grove 
on  our  right,  pouring  therefrom  a  deadly  fire.  Com- 
pany "B,"  2d  Regiment,  cleared  the  grove,  and 
repelled  a  flank  movement.  Still  Colonel  Lowe  did 
not  arrive,  and  it  became  evident  that  an  attempt 
at  escape  must  be  immediately  made.  The  battery 
boys  stood  at  their  guns,  each  vying  with  the  other, 
until  all  were  shot  down ;  "all  dead  or  wounded,  or 
taken  prisoners.  Not  a  member  of  the  detachment 
escaped.  A  flanking  column  had  in  the  meanwhile 
passed  around  the  Locust  Grove,  and  extending 
almost  to  the  Blue,  poured  in  a  most  deadly  fire,  and 
the  weak  and  wavering  line  fled  towards  the  timber. 
Colonel  Veale,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Greene,  Captain 
Huntoon,  and  other  gallant  oflicers,  remained  almost 
to  the  last  man.  They  had  nobly  striven  against 
odds  outnumbering  them  at  least  ten  to  one.  The 
rebels  charged  with  their  wild  and  peculiar  yell. 
Maddened  by  the  gallant  resistance  they  met,  our 
men  were  shot  down  as  they  surrendered,  or  mur- 
dered as  they  lay  wounded  on  the  ground.  True 

17 


138  AEMY    OF   THE    BOEDEE. 

courage  seems  not  to  excite  admiration,  but  rather 
to  arouse  their  passions  to  madness. 

Another  line  of  battle  was  formed  in  the  timber 
of  the  Big  Blue,  and  Colonel  Lowe  arriving  on  the 
double  quick,  dismounted  his  men,  sent  the  horses 
to  the  rear,  and  moved  in  good  order  to  check  the 
enemy's  advance.  They  came  on  yelling,  evidently 
intending  to  take  in  the  entire  force  of  "  Tads." 
Major  Laing,  with  battalion  of  the  15th  Kansas,  is 
reported  as  not  acting  with  proper  courage,  and 
finally  as  moving  off  the  field  without  in  any  way 
aiding  the  militia.  He  was  arrested  by  order  of 
General  Curtis  for  this,  and  was  afterwards  tried,  the 
court  exonerating  him,  though  dismissing  him  from 
the  service  on  other  disgraceful  charges.  The  21st 
was  formed  along  the  brow  of  the  rise ;  the 
enemy  were  coming  in  hot  haste  through  a  nar- 
row defile  at  the  foot.  Those  of  the  21st  who  could 
see  the  enemy  commenced  firing ;  the  rebel  advance 
fell  back  out  of  sight.  Presently  they  moved  for- 
ward again,  when  a  heavy  volley  from  our  entire  line 
drove  them  once  more.  At  this  time,  some  of  the 
militia,  seeing  Major  Laing  leaving,  also  started  to 
the  rear ;  but  Colonel  Lowe,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Rob- 
inson, Major  Still,  and  Lieutenant  Roberts,  A.  D.  C., 
weapons  in  hand,  checked  and  turned  them  to  the 
front.  A  brisk  fire  was  maintained  for  half  an 
hour,  but  the  rebels  gladly  availed  themselves  of  all 
possible  shelter.  Finding  our  position  could  not  be 
forced,  they  returned,  leaving  our  exhausted  citizens 


MUKDER  OF  OUR  WOUNDED.          139 

to  withdraw  unmolested  from  their  isolated  and 
perilous  position.  The  21st  lost  three  men — two 
killed. 

To  narrate  the  conspicuous  acts  of  personal  dar- 
ing, at  the  Mocabee  Farm  fight,  would  be  impos- 
sible. Where  all  done  so  well,  it  would  seem 
invidious.  Dan  Handly,  of  the  battery,  fell  at  his 
gun,  fighting  even  after  being  wounded  and  on  the 
ground.  Many,  as  before  stated,  were  shot  after 
surrender.  It  is  probable,  that  but  for  the  personal 
interference  of  General  Joe  Shelby,  all  would  have 
been  butchered  by  Jackman's  bushwhackers.  Lieu- 
tenant Win.  De  Long  was  shot  after  capture,  and 
died  at  Kansas  City.  Race  of  Company  "  A,"  was 
also  shot,  and  died  on  the  following  Tuesday.  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Greene,  while  with  Captain  Huntoon, 
endeavoring  to  form  a  line  on  the  west  bank  of  the 
stream,  was  taken  prisoner.  He  was  divested  of 
nearly  all  his  clothing  and  shot  at  three  times,  one 
ball  taking  effect  in  his  hip,  one  glancing  along  the 
back  of  his  head,  and  the  other  missing.  The 
ruffian  who  fired,  exclaimed  as  he  did  so — "  There, 
d — n  you,  die !"  Colonel  Greene  shortly  after  dark 
succeeded  in  dragging  himself  to  a  ravine  on  the  left 
of  the  road,  and  lay  there  that  night  and  following 
day.  He  heard  the  noise  of  th<j  engagement  at  the 
State  line,  and  distant  thunders  of  the  guns  at  West- 
port  next  morning.  About  11  A.  M.,  the  forces  of 
Marmaduke  commenced  moving  by  the  adjacent 
road  to  the  South.  Colonel  Greene,  being  discov- 


140  AEMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

ered,  was  at  first  supposed  to  belong  to  their  own 
command.  A  surgeon  gave  him  some  whiskey  and 
water.  Later  in  the  day,  when  in  response  to  close 
questioning,  Colonel  Greene  assured  a  party  he  was 
a  Federal  officer  from  Kansas.  Although  displea- 
sure was  manifested,  no  threats  were  made  or  violence 
exhibited.  Before  night  the  rebels  had  passed. 
Our  troops  moved  upon  a  road  further  to  the  west. 
Colonel  Greene  did  not  obtain  assistance  till  Tues- 
day, when  he  reached  a  house,  was  fed  and  taken  to 
Westport.  Captain  Huntoon  was  taken  prisoner,  as 
were  many  others.  Two  men  of  the  23rd  were  killed 
after  surrender;  three  taken  prisoners,  who  subse- 
quently escaped.  A  portion  of  its  train,  nine 
wagons  and  eighteen  horses,  were  captured ;  as  also 
a  portion  of  the  train  of  the  19th,  with  the  Brigade 
Quarter-Master,  Lieutenant  Marsh,  of  Leavenworth. 

The  simple,  but  vivid  words  of  Colonel  Veale's 
report,  form  a  fitting  close  to  this  narrative  : 

"It  is  not  for  me  to  say  upon  whom  rests  the 
"  responsibility  of  scattering  our  forces  in  such  a 
"  manner  as  to  preclude  the  possibility  of  concert,  or 
"  unity  of  action.  I  can  only  say,  I  acted  under 
"  orders,  and  by  so  doing  lost  twenty-four  brave 
"  Kansans  killed,  about  that  number  wounded,  and 
"  eighty-eight  taken  prisoners,  among  them  four 
u  officers ;  also  one  twenty-four  pound  brass  howitzer, 
"  and  one  hundred  horses. 

"  The  enemy's  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  in  this 
"engagement  was  very  heavy,  as  our  prisoners 


MOURNING    HOUSEHOLDS.  141 

"  passing  over  a  portion  of  the  field  a  few  moments 
"  after  the  battle  counted  forty-three  dead  rebels. 

"  While  our  loss  is  very  severe,  I  have  to  thank 
"  God  that  the  bold  stand  taken  by  my  brave  men 
"  gave  the  enemy  an  afternoon  job,  which  detained 
"  them  from  marching  into  Kansas ;  and  the  next 
"morning  they  were  confronted  by  an  army  that 
"neither  yielded  them  ground  nor  spared  their 
"  ammunition,  but  put  them  on  a  hasty  retreat 
"  southward,  and  thus  Kansas  was  saved. 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  24th,  we  gathered 
"together  our  dead  (our  wounded  having  been 
"  already  cared  for),  and  took  them  to  Kansas  City, 
"where  we  obtained  coffins  for  them,  and  on  the 
"  morning  of  the  25th  we  buried  them  at  Wyandotte, 
"  on  Kansas  soil.  From  there  we  marched  home  to 
"  meet  our  mourning  friends,  and  tell  the  story  of 
"the  fallen." 

And  there  was  mourning  in  many  households. 
The  brave  had  fallen.  Their  homes  were  bereaved. 
Widows  and  orphans  were  made  desolate.  Let 
any  one  think  what  a  calamity  the  sudden  death  of 
two  score  of  active  citizens  would  be  in  any  small 
community.  Yet  it  was  not  this  alone  which  affected 
Shawnee  county.  Three  score  and  over  were  pris- 
oners in  the  hands  of  the  Philistines.  Their  fate 
was  more  pitiful ;  as,  even  if  not  murdered,  there 
was  the  horror  of  lingering  starvation,  and  all  the 
foul  and  loathsome  fear  of  the  rebel  prison  pens,  to 
haunt  with  dread  the  loving  memories  at  home. 


142  ARMY   OF   THE   BORDER. 

Soon  afterwards  the  dead  were  gathered  up  and 
returned  to  Topeka,  where  they  were  re-buried  with 
public  honors.  A  monument  is  to  be  erected  over 
their  grave. 

The  number  of  prisoners  captured  by  the  rebels 
was  one  hundred  and  two.  The  number  of  killed 
was  thirty,  ten  of  whom  were  killed  after  surrender; 
one  being  shot  for  a  bushwhacker  by  our  own  troops, 
through  a  sad  error.  The  wounded  in  all  would 
not  number  more  than  fifty.  The  following  are  the 
names  of  the  wounded  of  the  2d  Regiment :  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel H.  M.  Greene,  Captain  S.  B.  Miles, 
Captain  H.  E.  Bush,  Captain  Ross  Burnes,  Lieutenant 
Wm.  De  Long  (since  died),  Privates  John  P.  Green, 
John  A.  Ward,  Brook  Crawford,  John  Keiser,  Isaac 
Rickel,  John  Prater,  Peter  Fleck,  Allen  Blandon, 
John  Thompson,  H.  M.  Howard,  Martin  Dreck, 
James  Norris,  Wm.  T.  Thompson,  John  Branner, 
John  Ward. 

The  prisoners  were:  Captain  Huntoon,  Lieuten- 
ants Hiram  Ward,  P.  H.  Gilland  and  John  W. 
Brown,  (Lieutenant  Ward  died  after  his  release,  from 
the  sufferings  endured  while  a  prisoner;)  Sergeant 
Geo.  Duncan,  Corporal  J.  H.  Glenn,  Privates  G.  H. 
Wood,  F.  Dawson,  C.  G.  Howard,  W.  Flanders,  A. 
McConnel,  F.  M.  Fletcher,  Nelson  Young,  S.  Shaefer, 
J.  S.  Stansfield,  E.  B.  Williams,  Levi  Williams,  J. 
Warren,  J.  Reed,  O.  Nuylor,  J.  T.  Gage,  A.  Quiet, 
J.  Keiser,  R.  B.  Hoeback,  Wm.  Marx,  J.  B.  Taylor, 
A.  G.  Taylor,  G.  B.  McKee,  John  Kempt,  S.  J. 


KETTTKtf    TO    KANSAS.  143 

Reader,  J.  W.  Clark,  Eph.  Johnson,  J.  P.  Majors,  J. 
Bickel,  D.  Vaughn,  J.  Hudgins,  T.  Fleshman,  Geo. 
Fix,  H.  Fix,  W.  True,  H.  Cunningham,  L.  T.  Cook, 
S.  Blandon,  G.  Wood,  D.  Stevens,  Jerome  Stahl,  Eli 
Snyder,  J.  Russell,  B.  Ingrund,  W.  S.  Hibbard,  H. 
M.  Denning,  John  Robinson,  J.  S.  Markham,  S. 
Rosier,  H.  Linn,  E.  Williams,  G.  G.  Sage,  C.  G. 
Follansbee,  John  Link,  R.  Fitzgerald,  Fred  Mackey, 
J.  Anderson,  A.  H.  Holman,  E.  Pape  and  Jacob 
Klein. 

Lieutenant  Marsh,  Brigade  Quartermaster,  was 
also  captured,  as  were  twenty  men  of  the  4th  Regi- 
ment, and  others  belonging  to  the  19th  and  23rd 
Regiments. 

After  witnessing  the  withdrawal  of  the  rebels 
from  their  front,  the  militia  retired  to  Kansas, 
(whither  they  had  been  preceded  by  Major  Laing,) 
following  the  timber  of  the  Blue  to  Little  Santa  Fe. 
The  2d  Regiment  moved  to  Wyandotte  and  Kansas 
City  next  day.  The  21st,  with  others,  were  sta- 
tioned at  the  Fords  on  the  Kansas  River,  under 
directions  of  General  Curtis,  through  Senator 
Pomeroy. 

While  these  events  were  transpiring,  the  left  and 
centre  of  the  army  had  fallen  back  to  Kansas  City 
by  order  of  General  Blunt.  This  movement  was 
commenced  about  four  P.  M.  General  Blunt  and 
staff  moved  towards  Westport  in  advance.  Direct- 
ing his  staff  and  Colonel  Blair  to  station  the  troops 
as  they  arrived  in  the  entrenchments  at  Kansas  City, 


144  ARMY    OF    THE    BOEDER. 

General  Blunt  himself  rode  to  "Westport,  where  he 
found  the  other  brigades  of  his  command ;  the  1st 
and  2d  with  the  4th  and  10th  Kansas  State  Militia 
at  the  south  side  of  the  town ;  the  2d  Colorado,  12th 
Kansas  State  Militia,  and  McLain's  Battery,  on  the 
hill  upon  the  Kansas  City  road,  in  line  of  battle. 
The  militia  were  ordered  to  Kansas  City  and 
placed  in  the  entrenchments  till  daybreak.  The 
battery  was  also  ordered  back.  The  cavalry 
remained  at  Westport,  the  16th  Kansas  holding  the 
picket  lines.  The  rebel  camp  extended  for  miles, 
far  to  the  right  and  left  of  our  bivouack  fires.  A 
night  of  anxiety  and  doubt,  but  not  dread,  was 
passed. 

As  our  troops  were  falling  back,  a  messenger 
arrived  from  General  Pleasanton,  at  Independence, 
announcing  the  victory  there,  and  his  presence  in  our 
neighborhood. 

The  intelligence  was  greeted  with  wild  cheers,  as 
staff  officers  rode  along  the  line  communicating  the 
welcome  news. 

As  the  rear  guard  left  the  crossing  of  the  Blue,  a 
party  of  rebels,  about  five  hundred  strong,  who  had 
lain  concealed  in  the  brush  on  the  east  bank,  made  a 
rush  upon  the  rear,  consisting  of  the  19th  Regiment 
Kansas  State  Militia,  under  Colonel  Hogan.  The 
rebel  dash  was  gallantly  made,  and  as  gallantly 
defeated.  Wading  the  creek,  they  pushed  through 
and  over  the  abattis,  logs,  etc.,  up  to  Hogan' s  line. 
Our  gallant  militia  turned  promptly.  A  sharp  but 


MOVEMENT   TO    KANSAS    CITY.  145 

short  skirmish  ensued — partly  in  the  bed  of  the 
river.  The  rebels  fled,  leaving  twelve  dead  and  ten 
prisoners  in  our  hands,  among  whom  was  a  Captain 
Von  Valkenberg,  brother  to  a  member  of  Congress 
from  New  York.  On  being  taken  before  General 
Curtis,  he  stated  that  it  was  Price's  intention  to 
occupy  Kansas  City ;  of  his  ability  to  do  which  the 
Captain  seemed  not  to  doubt. 

The  labor  of  placing  the  militia  was  of  an  onerous 
character.  Not  appreciating  the  importance  of 
position,  a  large  number  of  the  companies  sought  to 
pass  into  town  and  obtain  food.  The  scene  grew 
animated.  Staff  officers  galloped  here  and  there, 
shouting  hoarsely ;  portions  of  the  militia  obstinately 
insisting  upon  their  right  to  do  as  they  pleased ; 
amusing  colloquies  and  expostulations  occurred,  but 
at  last  the  long  line  of  works  was  occupied,  and 
affairs  began  to  assume  a  business  shape.  The  guns 
were  placed  in  commanding  positions ;  the  2d  Kansas 
Battery  covering  the  main  road  to  Independence ; 
Dodge's  (9th  Wisconsin)  Battery  and  the  section 
under  Lieutenant  Minor  occupying  elevated  ground, 
covering  roads  to  the  north  and  west ;  McLain  being 
placed  to  cover  the  approach  from  Westport.  By 
some  mistake,  the  ordnance  train  and  horses  of  the 
militia  were  removed  towards  the  Kansas  River,  near 
the  Wyandotte  bridge,  and  were  not  found  until 
nearly  daybreak. 

Head-quarters  were  established  at  the  Gillis 
House.  Very  few  obtained  food,  while  many  of 
18 


146  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

the  officers  worked  hard  throughout  the  night  in 
procuring  and  forwarding  ammunition  and  subsist- 
ence to  the  troops  at  Westport  and  in  the  trenches. 
General  Blunt  and  staff  worked  all  night,  and 
before  day  mounted  their  horses^  and  rode  to  the 
front. 


CHAPTEE    XIII. 


BATTLE    OF    WESTPORT. 

THE  Sabbath  dawned  upon  hostile  armies ;  one 
intent  upon  invasion  and  rapine  ;  the  other,  sternly 
moved  to  resist  and  defeat  the  foe.  The  intense 
feeling  among  Kansas  troops,  as  the  faint  flush  of 
morn  lit  up  the  eastern  sky,  cannot  now  be  realized. 
All  felt  they  were  defending  their  homes.  The 
artillery  of  the  opening  conflict  could  be  plainly 
heard  at  many  of  their  firesides.  It  was  a  day  such 
as  seldom  dawns  upon  a  people.  Mothers,  wives, 
little  ones,  were  uniting  in  prayer  for  protection. 
An  host  of  implacable  foes,  in  insolent  triumph, 
were  thundering  at  their  doors.  But  no  one  shrank 
from  the  bloody  conflict.  Each  felt  here  was  the 
hour  of  manhood  ;  and  all  were  equal  to  the  grand 
occasion. 

The  volunteer  troops  of  General  Curtis  were  left 
watching,  during  the  night,  extended  lines  of 
camp-fires,  which  told  them  the  foeman's  wherea- 


150  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

bouts.  East  of  Westport  extends  the  long  line  of 
the  Big  Blue,  with  its  broken  country  densely  cov- 
ered with  timber.  Two  miles  south  is  Brush  creek, 
a  small  stream  emptying  into  the  Blue,  with  precipi- 
tous banks,  densely  wooded.  It  branches  about 
four  miles  west  at  the  Shawnee  Mission,  and  heads  a 
dozen  miles  farther  in  Kansas.  Four  miles  north  is 
Kansas  City,  at  the  junction  of  the  Kansas  and  Mis- 
souri Rivers.  The  Kansas  is  almost  due  north,  with 
a  well-timbered  stream,  easily  defensible — Turkey 
creek  lying  between — and  emptying  into  the  river 
near  Kansas  City.  This  was  an  important  part  of 
the  line  adopted  by  General  Curtis,  in  the  event  of 
falling  back  to  Kansas  City.  North-east  lies  Inde- 
pendence, distance  twelve  miles.  One  road  runs 
directly  east  from  the  town  to  the  Blue.  The 
Byrom's  Ford  road  runs  south  by  east  from  West- 
port,  till  it  strikes  the  stream  The  road  to  Little 
Santa  Fe,  a  small  village  on  the  State  line,  about 
twelve  miles  south-west,  passes  directly  south  across 
Brush  creek.  The  Byrom's  Ford  road  leaves  this 
just  north  of  the  creek,  while  the  Hickman's  Mill 
road  crosses  it  about  three  miles  from  Westport. 
The  country  south  of  Brush  Creek  and  east  of  the 
Big  Blue,  is  high  table  land — the  summit  level 
between  the  Big  Blue  and  the  Kansas  Rivers.  For 
over  two  miles,  contiguous  to  Brush  Creek  on  the 
south,  the  cultivated  fields  extend,  with  lines  of 
fences  and  walls,  admirably  adapted  for  sheltering 
troops.  They  were  freely  used  by  both  sides. 


LOCATION    OF    TROOPS.  151 

Beyond  this,  for  about  four  miles,  swells  the  open 
prairie,  until  you  reach  the  broken  country  about 
Indian  Creek,  where  the  dense  timber,  interspersed 
with  occasional  fields,  offers  good  cover  for  a 
retreating  army. 

The  troops  who  were  to  participate  in  this  day's 
operations,  were  located  in  this  wise :  General 
Curtis,  with  the  volunteers  at  Westport  as  an 
advance,  and  the  main  body  of  the  militia  in  the 
intrenchments  at  Kansas  City.  Thus  his  line 
extended  north  and  south.  The  rebel  army  were 
encamped  on  the  Big  Blue,  from  the  vicinity  of 
Byrom's  Ford,  where  their  main  body  bivouacked, 
westward  to  beyond  Russell's  Ford.  General  Pleas- 
anton,  with  the  four  brigades  of  cavalry  under  his 
command,  had  succeeded  on  the  evening  of  the  22d, 
in  occupying  Independence,  and  defeating  the  rebel 
rear  division  with  some  loss.  Three  brigades, 
Sanborn,  Brown  and  Winslow's  (of  the  17th  Army 
Corps),  were  on  the  road  to  Byrom's  Ford,  following 
in  the  direct  track  of  Price's  main  army ;  while  Gen- 
eral McNeil,  with  the  1st  Brigade,  was  moving  from 
Independence,  on  a  road  running  north  and  west 
towards  Hickman's  Mill.  The  Union  army  was 
therefore  advancing  from  the  north  and  east ;  while 
the  rebel  army  were  moving  south  and  west.  Gen- 
eral Curtis'  main  purpose  would  be  to  prevent  them 
going  any  further  west,  and  if  unable  to  defeat  them 
fully,  to  turn  them  southward.  Two  roads  run  in 
this  direction,  both  of  which  the  rebel  army  covered ; 


152  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

the  State  line  road  already  spoken  of,  north  of  the 
Big  Blue  till  you  crossed  it  some  miles  beyond  Little 
Santa  Fe,  and  the  other  crossing  at  the  Russell  Ford, 
and  passing  through  Pleasant  Hill  and  Harrisonville, 
some  miles  east  of  the  river  road.  McNeil's  move- 
ment upon  the  road  from  Independence  to  Hick- 
man's  Mill,  south  of  the  Blue,  was  designed  to  obtain 
possession  of  this  road  at  the  mill,  and  so  check  a 
movement  on  that  line.  In  addition  to  these  forces, 
Major  General  A.  J.  Smith,  with  10,000  infantry, 
was  moving  rapidly  from  Lexington  to  Independ- 
ence, hoping  to  participate  in  the  final  engagement, 
should  we  succeed  in  holding  Price. 

The  earliest  dawn  found  General  Blunt  with  his 
staff  at  Westport,  and  the  utmost  activity  prevailing 
throughout  our  lines.  The  brigade  of  Colonel  Blair, 
consisting  of  the  4th,  5th,  6th,  10th  and  19th  Regi- 
ments K.  S.  M.  (Cavalry),  with  the  9th  Wisconsin 
Battery,  and  the  section  belonging  to  the  Colored 
Battery  under  Lieutenant  Minor,  were  ordered  to 
march  at  3  A.  M.,  from  the  intrenchments  to  the 
front.  McLain  had  already  moved.  By  5  o'clock, 
Colonel  Blair  was  on  the  move. 

The  1st,  3rd  and  4th  Brigades,  Colonels  Jennison 
Moonlight  and  Ford,  were  already  moving  out  to 
attack  the  enemy,  who  from  his  position,  if  allowed, 
could  at  his  leisure  attack  us  in  front,  or  turn  our 
right  flank. 

The  1st  and  4th  Brigades,  numbering  in  all  not 
more  than  1,800  men,  with  McLain's  Battery,  moved 


FORMATION    OF   OUR   LINE.  153 

on  the  south  road,  crossed  Brush  creek  and  took 
position,  mainly  to  the  right  of  the  road.  The  north 
bank  of  the  creek  was  covered  for  over  a  mile  with 
timber  and  sparse  brush.  South,  the  timber 
extended  for  half  a  mile,  when  the  road  passed 
between  heavy  stone  walls  for  some  distance.  To 
the  left,  the  timber  was  dense,  made  so  by  the  junc- 
tion of  a  small  creek  with  the  main  one ;  while  to 
the  right  were  open  fields,  on  the  northern  edge  of 
which  the  timber  swept  to  the  west  in  shape  like  the 
horn  of  a  crescent.  Here  then  the  line  was  formed. 
Our  left,  consisting  of  the  2d  Colorado  and  16th 
Kansas,  rested  on  the  lane  ;  the  battery  in  the  field 
near  the  timber,  while  the  1st  Brigade  deployed  to 
the  right.  General  Blunt  by  this  movement  sought 
to  gain  time  for  the  arrival  and  deployment  of  the 
militia,  and  to  hinder  the  rebel  movements  upon  our 
right,  toward  which  it  was  evident  a  portion  of  their 
lines  were  moving.  From  the  roof  of  the  hotel  at 
Westport,  the  rebel  army  could  plainly  be  seen.  In 
front  of  our  little  advance,  was  deploying  a  large 
force,  consisting,  as  afterwards  proved,  of  the  Divi- 
sion of  Major-General  Joe  Shelby,  with  a  portion  of 
Fagan's  Division.  (This  latter  had  fallen  back  to 
Byrom's  Ford,  after  being  driven  by  McNeil  from 
Independence.)  Further  to  the  south  and  east  could 
be  seen  an  enormous  train  moving  off  under  protec- 
tion of  Marmaduke's  Division,  with  a  large  force  of 
conscripts,  <fec.,  most  of  whom  were  indifferently 
armed.  The  glasses  of  observant  officers  showed 
19 


154  AEMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

that  this  train,  enormous  in  extent,  was  moving 
towards  the  south.  This  was  hailed  as  an  evidence 
of  Price's  intention  to  fight  only  when  necessary  to 
enable  him  to  escape  with  the  immense  plunder  of 
his  raid. 

A  small  body  of  the  6th  K.  S.  M.  was  sent  under 
Colonel  Bunis,  Vol.  A.  D.  C.,  to  scout  through  the 
timber  to  the  east,  which  in  that  direction  came 
close  to  the  town,  and  might  easily  afford  a  cover 
to  a  flanking  movement.  He  soon  returned  with 
information  that  the  enemy  were  all  west  of  the 
Blue  and  south  of  the  Byrom's  Ford  road. 

Our  troops  were  barely  deployed  before  being 
hotly  engaged.  The  fences  impeded  active  operations 
by  cavalry,  but  afforded  protection  to  skirmishers, 
who  were  pushed  rapidly  forward.  McLain  was  in 
position  at  the  edge  of  the  timber,  half  a  mile  to 
the  rear.  At  first  the  firing  was  entirely  artillery, 
with  the  exception  of  a  few  shots  exchanged  by  the 
skirmish  line.  The  rebels  continued  deploying, 
receiving  large  reinforcements,  and  advancing  with 
spirit  and  vigor.  Their  long  lines  pressed  forward 
steadily,  displaying  as  they  did  so  in  the  centre  a 
fine  battle  flag.  Two  guns,  under  Lieutenant  Eayres, 
were  ordered  forward,  taking  position  on  the  hill  and 
overlooking  the  open  prairie  across  which  the  enemy 
was  advancing.  The  guns  did  excellent  work,  were 
double  shotted  with  canister,  while  the  range  being 
short  and  the  firing  rapid,  every  shot  told.  The 
enemy's  guns  replied  with  vigor,  and  the  ball  was 


THE  ENEMY'S  ADVANCE  CHECKED.  155 

opened.  Colonel  Moonlight,  with  the  2d  Brigade, 
had  not  yet  taken  position.  Captain  Hinton,  General 
Blunt' s  Aide,  was  sent  to  the  Colonel  with  orders  to 
press  forward  on  the  right.  He  found  him  deploy- 
ing his  troops,  consisting  of  the  llth  Kansas,  detach- 
ments of  the  5th  and  a  battalion  of  the  12th  K.  S. 
M.,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Woodworth. 

Along  the  line  the  fighting  continued  with  varying 
fortune  on  either  side.  Lieutenant  Beach,  of  the 
Colorado  Battery,  with  the  left  section,  was  ordered 
forward  to  relieve  Eayres,  whose  ammunition  was 
nearly  exhausted.  Finally  the  battery  took  position 
at  the  front ;  centre  section  occupying  the  road.  On 
our  right  a  heavy  attack  was  made  by  a  rebel 
brigade,  resulting  in  the  pressing  back  of  that  wing. 
The  15th  Kansas  cavalry  had  just  previously  been 
compelled  to  fall  back,  so  that  the  left  of  the  2d  Bri- 
gade was  unprotected.  A  new  line  was  immediately 
formed  two  hundred  yards  in  the  rear.  As  the  2d 
Brigade  fell  back,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  raking  the 
exposed  flank.  Two  squadrons  of  the  llth  Artillery 
and  Infantry  were  immediately  wheeled,  and  returned 
the  fire.  By  this  movement,  which  was  well 
performed,  the  enemy  were  checked.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Woodworth,  of  the  12th  K.  S.  M.r  held  the 
right  flank,  gallantly  charging  with  his  "Tads"  upon 
the  rebel  skirmishers  and  driving  them  back  to  their 
main  line.  While  the  2d  Brigade  was  thus  retiring, 
an  order  was  received  from  General  Blunt,  directing 
Colonel  Moonlight  to  withdraw,  move  towards 


156  AKMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

Shawnee  Mission,  and  watch  the  enemy's  right  flank, 
following  and  keeping  them  out  of  Kansas. 

While  this  was  occurring  on  our  right — the  2d 
Brigade  withdrawing,  and  the  15th  re-forming — the 
rebels  were  rapidly  forming  on  our  left  for  a  charge 
down  the  lane,  for  the  purpose  of  capturing  the  guns 
under  Lieut.  Birdsall.  They  had  previously  suc- 
ceeded in  planting  a  section  of  Parrott  guns  on  the 
line  road,  and  with  a  raking  and  rapid  fire,  rendered 
our  position  one  of  extreme  danger.  Dobbin's 
Brigade  was  formed,  and  headed  by  Shelby  in  per- 
son, a  bold  and  dashing  charge  was  made.  The  lane 
had  been  swept  by  the  fire  from  their  guns.  Portions 
of  the  4th  Brigade  were  rapidly  formed,  consisting  of 
the  16th  Kansas,  and  a  battalion  of  the  2d  Colorado, 
under  Captain  Green.  With  wild  huzzas,  our  boys 
led  by  Col.  Sam  Walker  in  person,  dashed  forward  on 
the  charging  brigade,  which  in  close  column  moved  on 
the  guns  in  such  dangerous  proximity  to  them,  that 
the  men  barely  had  time  to  run  them  to  the  rear  by 
hand,  when  the  galloping  squadrons  met  in  the  fierce 
contest.  Everywhere  could  be  heard  mingling  yells 
and  cheers ;  while  still  in  the  advance,  Colonel 
Walker,  sabre  in  hand,  dashed  into  the  midst  of  the 
rebels.  The  encounter  was  brief.  Before  the  wild 
onset  of  our  counter-charge,  the  keen  edges  of  the 
flashing  sabres,  and  the  quick  crack  of  their  Colts, 
the  rebels  broke  and  fled  precipitately  to  their  main 
columns,  which,  still  a  mile  to  the  south,  were  con- 
stantly increasing  in  numbers.  Colonel  Walker  was 


COLONEL    BLAIR    RETIRES.  157 

severely  wounded  in  the  foot.  His  personal  daring 
was  the  theme  of  all  who  saw  or  participated.  Still, 
the  rebels  advanced,  though  thus  checked  on  the  left, 
and  finally  succeeded  in  face  of  a  destructive  fire 
from  the  1st  Brigade,  in  forcing  a  heavy  column 
into  a  small  copse,  which  jutted  out  from  the  main; 
line,  to  the  right  of  Colonel  Ford.  Our  line  com- 
menced falling  slowly  back,  forming  and  fighting 
on  each  ridge  as  it  did  so. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Colonel  Blair's  Brigade  having 
formed  south  of  Westport,  on  high,  ground  overlook- 
ing a  little  creek,  the  southern  acclivity  of  which 
was  covered  with  dense  timber  and  undergrowth, 
was  dismounted  (every  sixth  man  detailed  to  hold 
horses),  advanced  through  the  timber  and  across  the 
creek.  The  militia  were  deployed  to  the  front  and 
left  of  the  1 5th  Kansas,  occupying  the  ground  left 
by  the  2d  Brigade..  The  enemy  were  strongly 
posted  behind  a  stone  wall,  while- we  were  partly 
protected  by  the  fence  and  timber.  Firing  was 
kept  up  rapidly  for  half  an.  hour.  The  militia  took 
advantage  of  every  shelter,,  anfl  like  hunters  in  pur- 
suit of  game,  did  not  throw  away  their  powder,  but 
watched  the  chances,  of  hitting  some  one.  It  was 
not  an  orderly,  but  a  very  effective  fire.  No  advance 
was  attempted,  and  soon  Colonel  Blair  retired  in 
obedience  to  orders,  with  the  balance  of  the  division, 
through  the  timber  across  the  creek,  taking  his 

<~~J  /  O 

former  position   on  the  north  side.      Colonel  S.  J. 
Crawford,  now  joined  Colonel   Blair,   and    assisted 


158  ARMY   OF   THE    BORDER. 

during  the  balance  of  the  day  in  the  direction  of 
this  militia.  General  W.  H.  M.  Fishback  joined  his 
brigade,  and  with  it  participated  in  the  action. 

The  entire  division  now  occupied  a  position  upon 
the  north  bank  of  the  creek ;  the  battery  upon  a 
commanding  point  of  the  ridge,  covering  the  road 
and  timber  on  south  side ;  the  volunteer  cavalry  on 
the  bottom  and  near  the  crossing,  while  a  part  of 
the  2d.  Colorado,  under  Captain  Green,  and  the  12th 
K.  S.  M.,  under  Colonel  Treat,  were  deployed  on 
foot  as  skirmishers. 

In  the  rear  of  this  our  first  position,  the  activity 
was  general,  the  enthusiasm  thorough,  and  the  spirit 
of  emulation  and  determination  visible  on  all  sides. 

General  Curtis  had  arrived  between  seven  and 
eight  at  Westport,  after  giving  necessary  orders  at 
Kansas  City.  All  the  males  able  to  work,  were  set 
to  work  on  the  entrenchments ;  Brigadier-General 
Sherry,  K.  S.  M.,  being  placed  in  command.  The 
mounted  militia  force,  with  the  mercantile  battery, 
under  Captain  Zeesch,  were  moved  to  Westport, 
where,  under  the  direction  of  staff  officers,  they  were 
dismounted,  horses  sent  to  the  rear,  and  the  men 
placed  in  position  preparatory  to  the  final  advance. 

In  the  meantime  General  Blunt  had  proceeded  to 
the  front,  now  our  second  line,  upon  the  north  side 
of  Brush  Creek.  The  rebel  force  could  be  distinctly 
seen  deployed  in  great  numbers.  An  occasional  shot 
r  from  the  skirmish  line  could  be  heard,  and  the  sound 
indicated  a  gradual  advance.  The  1st  Brigade  had 


GALLANT    ACTION    OF   THE    FIFTH    EEGIMENT.     159 

formed  a  second  line  in  rear  of  the  dismounted 
militia,  along  whose  line  could  be  seen  rapidly  riding 
the  commanding  and  staff  officers.  Colonel  Colton, 
commanding  5th  Regiment,  was  most  conspicuous  for 
coolness  and  courage.  McLain  had  opened  from  our 
extreme  left,  shelling  a  small  body  of  timber, 
through  which  he  believed  a  column  of  rebels  were 
advancing.  The  firing  ceased,  under  orders  from 
General  Blunt,  who  believed  our  own  men  were 
endangered.  A  small  body  of  rebels  advanced 
through  the  timber,  were  met  and  gallantly  repulsed 
by  the  militia  under  Colonel  Colton.  The  men 
stood  up  to  them  like  veterans,  pouring  in  their 
volleys  as  regularly  as  trained  infantry  practising. 
The  rebels  broke  and  fled,  before  a  militia  force  of 
about  equal  number.  Colonels  Colton  and  Crawford 
rode  along  the  lines  encouraging  and  directing  the 
men,  who,  as  the  rebels  turned  in  disorder,  set  up  a 
wild  cheer. 

Meanwhile,  Colonel  Blair,  hearing  a  rumor  to 
the  effect  that  the  rebels  were  attempting  to  flank 
him,  without  waiting  for  orders,  moved  into  the 
dense  timber  to  the  right,  twice  the  length  of  his 
line,  and  pushed  it  steadily  forward.  A  messenger 
was  sent  to  General  Blunt  to  inform  him  of  his 
movement.  At  the  same  time,  Generals  Curtis  and 
Blunt,  both  fearing  this  flank  movement,  sent  orders 
to  Colonel  Blain  to  carry  out  the  operation  he  had 
already  commenced.  The  19th  Regiment,  which 
had  been  formed  and  dismounted  to  the  rear  of  the 


160  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

main  force,  was  moved  by  a  road  further  to  the 
right,  and,  as  the  militia  emerged  from  the  timber, 
formed  on  Colonel  Blain's  right.  General  Curtis 
himself  joined  this  movement,  encouraging  the 
militia  by  his  presence.  Dodge's  Battery  with  two 
howitzers  were  piloted  through  a  narrow  defile  to  a 
point  where  the  guns  could  be  admirably  placed, 
by  a  venerable  patriot  of  seventy-five,  who  was  upon 
the  field  ready  to  do  his  humble  share  of  the  work. 
The  right  of  the  line  commenced  immediate  demon- 
strations upon  the  enemy  who  were  posted  along  the 
forces  to  their  front.  Skirmishers  filled  the  field, 
poured  a  destructive  fire  from  the  fences  and  from  a 
large  brick  house  in  the  orchard  just  beyond.  The 
right  of  the  brigade  was  sent  forward  to  clear  the 
house.  It  was  gallantly  done.  Adjutant  James 
Aikens  of  the  Bourbon  county  Battalion,  was 
severely  wounded  in  this  movement.  The  left  of 
the  line  moved  forward  steadily  through  a  stubble 
field  to  their  front. 

While  the  right  was  thus  moving  under  the  imme- 
diate eye  of  General  Curtis,  the  left  and  centre, 
under  direction  of  General  Blunt,  had  also  advanced. 

When  our  line  moved,  it  did  so  rapidly,  regaining 
its  original  position,  and  punishing  the  enemy  with 
great  eifect.  Our  artillery  was  well  served.  The 
rebels  fought  stubbornly.  Hardly  had  we  taken 
position,  when  the  enemy  charged  in  column  upon  a 
section  ol  McLain's,  occupying  the  road;  the  15th 
being  to  the  right  in  front,  with  Company  "  E " 


ADVANCE    OF    OTJE   LIKES.  161 

deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  forming  the  left  of  the 
line .  Colonel  Jennison  rapidly  rallied  the  skirmish- 
ers and  led,  in  person,  a  charge  upon  the  rebels'  right 
flank.  Two  squadrons  of  the  2d  Colorado,  under 
Captain  Green,  simultaneously  formed  and  charged 
upon  their  left.  The  dash  was  irresistable.  Short, 
sharp,  but  severe ;  and  when  it  was  over  the  rebel 
column  fled  in  disorder,  leaving  one  hundred  prisoners 
and  a  number  of  killed  and  wounded.  Captain 
Curtis  Johnson,  commanding  Company  "E,"  15th, 
distinguished  himself  greatly,  both  in  the  charge 
and  a  personal  encounter  with  Colonel  McGee,  com- 
manding a  regiment  of  Arkansas  rebels,  who  was 
killed,  while  the  Captain  was  severely  wounded  in 
the  arm. 

The  enemy  fell  back  upon  the  road.  Our  lines 
were  again  advanced  on  the  right  of  the  road, 
driving  the  enemy  at  all  points.  Progress  was, 
however,  stubbornly  contested,  and  was  for  a  time 
but  slow.  We  now  presented  a  formidable  appear- 
ance ;  our  lines  having  fairly  debouched  from  the 
timber,  and  with  a  steady,  unbroken  front  were 
moving  forward. 

The  scene  was  superb,  combining  all  the  wild 
picturesqueness  of  a  battle  field  with  (for  a  short 
time)  the  regularity  of  a  parade.  Another  charge, 
made  by  Colonel  Hoyt  and  Captain  Thompson,  with 
a  portion  of  the  15th  and  16th,  carried  some  stone 
walls  to  the  centre  and  right  centre  of  our  lines. 
The  boys  went  at  it  with  wild  cheers.  The  rebels 
20 


162  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDEE. 

fled  to  the  main  line,  which  yet  offered  a  formidable 
front.  The  walls  cleared  by  the  charge  were  imme- 
diately occupied  by  our  skirmishers.  On  the  main 
road,  near  the  line  first  formed  at  early  dawn,  was 
found  a  broken  and  dismounted  gun.  It  bore  the 
mark  of  a  Texan  foundry,  and  was  evidently  an 
imitation  of  our  Parrotts.  We  learned  afterwards 
that  a  shell  from  the  section  under  Lieutenant  Eayres 
had  struck  the  muzzle  of  this  gun  while  the  charge 
was  being  inserted.  The  gunner's  hand  was  taken 
off,  the  gun  burst,  as  our  shell  exploded,  and  six 
men  were  killed  and  wounded,  as  also  several  horses. 
While  the  lines  were  thus  moving,  quite  an  excit- 
ing episode  occurred  to  the  rear,  on  the  left  of  the 
road.  General  Blunt  had  turned  back  a  short 
distance  to  give  some  orders,  and  while  doing  so  the 
main  body  of  our  troops  upon  the  right  swept 
forward  in  advance.  Returning  with  a  few  members 
of  his  staff  and  orderlies,  he  found  a  howitzer,  which 
had  been  stationed  in  the  dooryard  of  a  farm  house, 
a  little  to  the  left  of  the  road,  and  in  the  edge  of  the 
creek  timber,  seriously  threatened  by  a  small  column 
of  rebels  advancing  from  the  east.  The  howitzer 
was  without  support,  but  the  gallant  squad  in  charge, 
under  direction  of  a  sergeant,  were  most  actively 
engaged  in  double-shotting  it  with  canister  and  firing 
into  the  compact  rebel  column.  The  General  and 
party  dashed  forward,  and,  revolvers  in  hand,  the 
small  party  formed  themselves  to  defend  the  gun. 
So  near  was  the  rebel  force  that  pistol  shots  were 


POSITION    OF    OUE    ARTILLERY.  163 

exchanged,  wlien  a  portion  of  Company  "  E,"  14th 
Kansas,  Lieutenant  Clark  commanding,  acting  as 
escort  to  the  General,  dashed  up  and  charged  the 
rebels,  who  fled.  It  was  supposed  this  force  had 
been  driven  and  separated  from  the  main  rebel  army 
by  the  advance  of  Pleasanton  on  the  Byrom's  Ford 
road,  near  which  they  deployed.  The  gallant 
activity  of  the  artillerists,  as  well  as  the  prompt 
dash  of  General  Blunt,  saved  the  guns. 

In  the  meanwhile  we  were  swarming  forward. 
Behind  us  to  the  right  the  militia  still  poured.  The 
regiments  left  at  Kansas  City  had  been  brought 
forward,  and  were  now  moving  through  the  timber 
a  mile  to  our  rear.  The  artillery  were  all  in  position, 
and  eighteen  brass  Parrott  guns,  with  thirteen 
mountain  howitzers,  were  playing  briskly  on  the 
rebel  lines,  falling  slowly  back  in  admirable  order 
before  our  advance.  Lieutenant  Hicks,  with  two 
guns  of  the  9th  Wisconsin  Battery,  and  one  ten- 
pound  Parrott  of  the  Colored  Battery,  was  placed 
upon  the  right  wing ;  Captain  Dodge,  with  three 
other  guns,  was  on  the  left.  When  the  rebel  column 
formed  for  its  last  charge,  Captain  Dodge  opened  on 
them  with  spherical  case,  at  a  distance  of  five 
hundred  yards.  McLain  in  the  centre,  had  driven  a 
battery  of  four  guns  from  the  rebel  front.  Lieuten- 
ant Eayre,  with  the  right  section,  was  then  ordered 
to  the  1st  Brigade,  on  the  right  of  the  line 
road.  General  Blunt  himself,  took  direction  of  the 
firing  on  the  left  and  centre,  and  with  Captain 


164  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

Dodge's  guns  following  him,  assumed  position  after 
position,  opening  on  the  rebel  lines.  Thundering 
cheers  also  burst  along  our  lines,  as  shell  after  shell 
made  gaps  in  the  enemy's  ranks.  The  gunners  could 
not  see  the  execution,  for  the  smoke  of  their  guns ; 
but  our  advancing  troops  watched  the  effect,  and 
cheered  tremendously  as  the  gaps  were  made  and 
closed. 

It  would  be  impossible  with  words  to  paint  the 
scene.  The  pencil  could  only  give  the  figures  ;  but 
imagination  cannot  furnish  memory  with  the  vivid 
details  by  which  to  reproduce  the  battle  scenes  of 
that  Sabbath  morn. 

At  the  summit  of  a  slight  slope,  amid  the  general 
backward  movement  of  the  enemy,  a  small  body 
seemed  determined  to  stand.  Colonel  Jennison, 
with  General  Blunt's  body  guard,  and  a  squadron  of 
the  2d  Colorado,  charged  upon  them.  The  rebels 
fled  in  disorder,  not  waiting  to  feel  our  sabre's  edge, 
but  inclining  rather  to  trust  the  fleetness  of  their 
steeds.  Some  fled  to  the  timber  on  the  left,  which 
was  also  occupied  by  the  command  repulsed  in  their 
attack  on  the  howitzer.  A  detachment  of  the 
charging  squadrons  was  dismounted  and  formed 
along  a  wall  skirting  the  road  to  the  left,  and  opened 
a  galling  fire  on  them.  They  left,  soon  rejoining 
the  main  body.  v 

A  general  charge  was  now  ordered;  Generals 
Curtis,  Blunt  and  Deitzler  leading  it.  The  1st  Brig- 
ade was  formed  ;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hoyt,  with  six 


DETERMINED    CHARGE    OF    FIRST    BRIGADE.       165 

companies  of  the  15th,  on  the  left  of  the  road ; 
Colonel  Jennison,  with  the  3rd  Wisconsin  Battalion, 
two  companies  of  the  2d  Colorado,  one  company  of 
the  15th,  and  General  Blunt' s  Escort,  were  rapidly 
advanced  and  impetuously  charged.  The  4th  Brig- 
ade, under  Colonel  Ford,  also  formed,  and  charged 
simultaneously,  the  guns  dashing  well  up  to  the 
front  (McLain  with  two  sections,  finding  himself 
with  canister  only,  had  advanced  at  the  top  of  his' 
horse's  speed  and  took  position  in  front)  ;  Dodge 
and  McLain  pouring  in  heavy  charges,  which  told 
upon  the  now  wavering  rebel  lines ;  the  little 
howitzers  charging  and  firing  at  the  front  of  our 
skirmishing  lines  ;  with  the  wild  huzzas  of  the  vol- 
unteer cavalry  in  the  advance,  and  the  thundering 
cheers  of  the  racing  militia  to  the  rear,  as  they  came 
tearing  across  the  fields ;  while  the  bending  and 
wavering  rebel  lines,  falling  back  in  partial  disorder, 
formed  a  scene  never  to  be  forgotten  by  any  who 
witnessed  it.  While  our  artillery  was  taking  this 
third  and  final  position,  Captain  Dodge  found  the 
rebels  were  opening  with  a  gun  about  nine  hundred 
yards  to  his  front,  and  somewhat  to  the  right.  A 
well  directed  solid  shot  from  the  Parrott,  sighted  by 
Captain  Dodge,  broke  this  piece  at  the  first  trial. 

The  charge  was  made,  and  the  rebels  broke  dis- 
ordered upon  our  right  and  centre.  Again  our  lines 
were  advanced.  Everywhere  in  front,  were  seen  the 
general  officers,  cheering  and  encouraging,  greeted 
with  the  enthusiastic  shouts  of  the  men,  while  twice 


166  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

the  rebel  columns  had  broken  and  re-formed.  Both 
lines  were  now  deploying  upon  the  open  prairie,  ours 
still  having  the  advantage  of  some  fields  and  fences. 
At  this  time,  a  heavy  column  of  cavalry  could  be 
seen  emerging  from  the  timber,  and  deploying  about 
a  mile  to  the  east,  and  advancing  towards  the  rebel 
right.  Some  doubts  were  felt  as  to  its  character,  but 
as  the  line  deployed,  the  union  guiders  plainly  visi- 
ble, were  hailed  with  thundering  cheers.  A  battery 
was  opened  upon  the  retreating  rebels  by  this  new 
foe.  The  enemy's  right  rapidly  formed  a  new  front, 
and  attempted  to  check  their  advance.  They  made 
a  vigorous  charge  and  compelled  a  portion  to  fall 
back  hastily.  Again  was  our  artillery  advanced, 
pouring  in  a  destructive  fire.  Again  was  our  cavalry 
pushed  forward,  and  the  rattle  of  small  arms  was 
continuous  along  the  front.  Pleasanton's  brigades 
charged  simultaneously,  and  the  rebel  rear  broke 
before  this  onset  in  wild  disorder,  making  their  way 
through  the  Indian  Creek  timber,  in  rapid  rout,  scat- 
tering arms,  equipments,  etc.,  as  they  fled,  and  leav- 
ing their  dead  and  wounded  on  the  field.  It  had 
been  evident  for  some  time,  that  the  force  at  our 
front  was  fighting  only  to  cover  the  safe  retreat  of 
their  train  and  main  army.  For  miles  the  ground 
was  strewn  with  the  debris  of  a  defeated  and  routed 
army,  while  the  dead  and  wounded  told  the  bloody 
character  of  the  fray.  Shouts  that  made  the  heavens 
ring ;  a  rapid  trampling  of  hurrying  squadrons ; 
dense  clouds  of  dust  moving  swiftly  to  the  South  ; 


SALVATION    OF   NORTHERN   KANSAS.  167 

a  swinging  forward  into  column  of  the  forces  on  the 
left ;  the  thundering  of  the  guns  dashing  down  the 
road ;  while  far  in  the  advance,  the  yells  and  cheers 
of  pursued  and  pursuers,  were  taken  up  and  echoed 
by  the  triumphant  paeans  which,  from  the  hurrying 
militia  in  the  rear,  again  caught  up  by  those  at 
Westport,  and  travelling  on  the  wings  of  the  wind, 
were  borne  jubilantly  on  to  Kansas  City,  where 
those  who  in  dread  suspense  had  waited  the  welcome 
news,  again  made  the  welkin  ring,  and  onward  it  fled 
to  tell  afar  that  the  invaders  had  been  defeated — the 
traitors  driven  back — and  that  the  homes  of 
Northern  Kansas  were  saved  from  desolation. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 


GENERAL   PLEAS  ANTON' S    OPERATIONS    ON   THE 
TWENTY-THIRD. 


THE  night  of  the  22d  found  General  Pleasanton's 
force  in  possession  of  Independence,  and  moving  in 
the  rear  of  Fagan's  discomfited  command  towards 
Byrom's  Ford,  where,  on  the  previous  day,  Colonel 
Jennison  had  resisted  the  advance  of  the  rebel  army. 
Clark's  Brigade  held  the  rebel  rear ;  while  the  vete- 
ran brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  B.  F.  Winslow, 
4th  Iowa  Cavalry  Volunteers  (a  brigade  which  up 
to  this  date  had  marched  eight  hundred  miles,  and 
then  had  not  one  man  dismounted,)  led  the  advance 
of  the  Missouri  Cavalry,  pushing  the  enemy  until 
ifralf-past  ten  P.  M.,  and  bivouacking  three  miles  from 
the  Blue.  General  McNeil,  whose  daring  and  ac- 
tivity were  mainly  instrumental  in  driving  the  enemy 
from  Independence,  moved  at  midnight  upon  the 
Hickman's  Mills  road,  with  orders  to  reach  the 
junction  of  the  Independence  with  the  State  Line 
road  at  Little  Santa  Fe. 


AEEEST  AND  ACQUITTAL  OF  GENEKAL  BKOWN.    109 

Brigadier-General  E.  B.  Brown  .was  ordered  for- 
ward to  relieve  Colonel  Winslow  and  open  the  attack 
at  the  morning's  earliest  hour.  At  five  A.  M.,  troops 
commenced  moving.  General  Brown  had  been 
directed  to  attack  the  enemy  vigorously,  as  he  would 
be  supported.  From  some  cause,  the  attack  was  not 
made  as  anticipated,  and  General  Pleasanton  riding 
to  the  front,  relieved  General  Brown,  placed  him 
under  arrest,  and  directed  Colonel  J.  F.  Phillips,  7th 
M.  S.  M.,  to  take  command ;  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Crittenden  assuming  command  of  the  7th.*  General 
Sanborn  was  ordered  to  support  the  advance. 
Colonel  Winslow,  by  request  of  General  Pleasanton, 
assumed  direction  'of  the  advanced  movements.  The 
enemy  were  posted  in  strong  force  on  the  west  side 
of  the  stream ;  the  ford  and  approaches  being 
obstructed  by  Colonel  Jennison's  defences,  materi- 
ally strengthened  by  the  rebels  when  they  occupied 
his  position.  Their  line  was  formed  in  force  about  a 

half  mile  from  the  stream.     Bearing  upon  the  ford, 
a  heavy  gun  was  planted,  by  which  our  line,  as  it 

formed   and   advanced  was  seriously  annoyed,  and 
quite  a  number  killed  and  wounded. 

One  battalion  of  the  4th  Iowa  Cavalry,  under 
command  of  Captain  Dee,  one  hundred  men  of  the 
4th  Missouri  Cavalry,  and  the  7th  M.  S.  M.,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant -Colonel  Crittenden,  were 

*  General  Brown  was  afterwards  tried  at  St.  Louis  by  a  Court  Martial, 
under  charges  preferred  by  General  Pleasanton,  for  his  conduct  on  this 
occasion,  but  was  honorably  acquitted  of  all  failure  to  do  his  duty. 

21 


170  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

dismounted  and  formed  on  the  banks  of  the  river. 
The  firing  opened  sharp  and  effective.  The  4th  M. 
S.  M.,  Major  G.  W.  Kelly  commanding,  and  the  1st 
M.  S.  M.  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
B.  F.  Lazear,  were  formed  in  column,  directed  to 
cross  and  charge  the  enemy  beyond  the  ford.  This 
order  was  executed  in  the  face  of  the  galling  rebel 
fire  and  despite  the  obstacles  in  the  creek.  A  num- 
ber of  men  and  horses  were  killed  and  wounded  in 
the  stream.  Nothing  daunted,  our  troops  resolutely 
pushed  forward  and  gained  the  west  bank.  In  the 
•  meanwhile,  the  7th  M.  S.  M.  crossed,  bearing  to  the 
right.  A  furious  engagement  commenced.  Major 
Kelly  forming  in  the  rear  of  Colonel  Crittenden,  the 
latter  swung  his  lines  quickly  to  the  left  of  the  road, 
while  Major  Kelly  made  a  similar  movement  to  the 
right.  The  rebel  line  was  driven  back  for  two 
hundred  yards.  They  then  occupied  a  range  of  low 
hills,  extending  through  an  open  field  to  the  left,  and 
along  a  bluff  covered  with  dense  wood  on  our  right. 
It  was  strengthened  very  much  by  high  fences  and 
some  log  buildings,  behind  which  the  rebels  were 
posted. 

The  4th  Missouri  State  Militia  dismounted  and 
formed  on  the  right ;  the  7th  also  dismounted,  with 
a  battalion  of  the  4th  Iowa  Cavalry,  while  Colonel 
Phillips  took  command  of  the  1st  M.  S.  M.,  with 
intent  to  charge. 

The  character  of  the  ground  was  such  as  to  render 
cavalry  movements  difficult,  and  utterly  preclude  any 


VIGOROUS  ATTEMPTS  TO  DRIVE  THE  ENEMY.       171 

formation  but  that  of  a  column  of  fours.  Twice  the 
effort  to  charge  was  gallantly  made.  Twice  it  failed. 
The  storm  of  shot  and  shell  howled  down  that 
declivity  from  the  armed  lines  along  the  brow, 
sweeping  the  road  and  insuring  the  destruction  of 
horse  and  rider  bold  enough  to  attempt  the  ascent. 
The  1st  Regiment  dismounted,  and  the  Brigade  of 
Colonel  Phillips  advanced  together,  supported  by 
part  of  Colonel  Winslow's  command.  General  San- 
born's  were  moving  across  the  ford  at  this  time ;  one 
regiment,  the  2d  Arkansas  Cavalry,  Colonel  Phelps, 
Jun.,  being  already  engaged.  To  drive  the  enemy 
from  his  formidable  position,  became  an  absolute 
necessity.  A  charge  was  ordered  and  made.  When 
within  one  hundred  yards  of  the  rebel  line,  our 
troops  gave  way  in  disorder,  unable  to  stand  the 
terrible  fire.  By  direction  of  Colonel  Winslow,  one 
regiment  had  been  held  in  reserve.  Here  the 
officers,  Colonels  Phillips,  Winslow,  Lazear,  etc., 
rallied  their  repulsed  but  not  disheartened  men,  gal- 
lantly exposing  themselves  in  this  duty  to  the 
scathing  fire  from  the  fences.  Colonel  Winslow's 
veterans  were  brought  up  and  formed.  Again  both 
brigades  charged.  The  movement  was  successful, 
though  the  enemy's  lines  were  stubbornly  held  until 
the  troops  met,  and  the  contest  became  an  hand  to 
hand  one.  Across  the  field,  for  one  hundred  and 
sixty  yards,  our  troops  pushed  steadily.  They  liter- 
ally moved  in  face  of  a  shower  of  lead.  Sharp- 
shooters occupied  the  tree-tops,  singling  out  the 


172  AEMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

officers  with  fatal  effect ;  Col.  Winslow  being  struck 
in  the  left  leg.  A  number  of  line  officers  were  shot. 
Captain  Blair,  of  the  4th  M.  S.  M.,  fell  mortally 
wounded.  Van  Sickle,  Hamilton,  Dale,  Bryson, 
Barkley,  Christian,  Combs  and  Milner,  of  Brown's 
Brigade,  fell  beneath  this  leaden  tempest. 

The  movement  was  pressed  with  increased  vigor, 
the  enemy  driven  from  their  shelter,  and  as  they  fell 
back  to  the  timber,  were  followed  and  driven  still 
further  west  in  great  confusion,  leaving  their  dead 
and  wounded,  with  a  number  of  prisoners  in  our 
hands.  Just  as  they  turned  to  move  off,  a  rifle  ball 
struck  Colonel  Winslow,  and  though  the  latter  kept 
his  saddle  for  over  a  mile  in  the  pursuit,  the  com- 
mand of  his  brigade  devolved  upon  the  young  and 
gallant  Lieutenant-Colonel  F.  T.  Benteen,  Command- 
ing the  10th  Missouri  Cavalry.  By  his  direction, 
the  3rd  Iowa  Cavalry,  under  Major  B.  S.  Jones, 
were  dismounted  and  pushed  forward.  At  the  log 
houses  already  spoken  of,  were  found  about  two 
hundred  men  of  Brown's  Brigade,  who  were  shelter- 
ing themselves  in  disorder  from  a  very  hot  fire  the 
enemy  were  pouring  on  them  from  the  woods  at  the 
western  edge  of  the  field. 

They  were  urged  into  the  open,  and  with  the  dis- 
mounted men  of  the  veteran  brigade,  advanced 
across  the  open  field  at  the  double-quick  to  the  woods 
beyond.  The  enemy  resisted  the  advance  with 
great  gallantry.  We  pushed  through  the  timber  to 
the  prairie.  Here  were  some  guns  in  position  play- 


HALTING  OF  OUR  TROOPS.  1T3 

\ 

ing  furiously  on  our  advance,  which  moved  so  rapidly 
as  to  induce  the  rebel  commander  to  withdraw  all 
artillery  and  cavalry  across  the  prairie,  beyond  the 
reach  of  our  own  guns  now  opening  on  them.  The 
4th  Iowa  Cavalry  was  on  the  skirmish  line. 

Our  advance  rested  here  for  a  short  time — the 
enemy  having  temporarily  passed  out  of  range — long 
enough  for  the  three  brigades  to  concentrate,  Gen- 
eral Sanborn  being  on  the  left,  Phillips  in  the  centre, 
and  Winslow  on  the  right.  Our  loss,  owing  to  the 
shelter  afforded  by  the  timber,  was  not  as  great  as 
might  have  been  expected  for  the  stubborn  resist- 
ance encountered,  and  the  formidable  position  held 
by  the  enemy.  Two  hundred  killed  and  wounded, 
will  cover  it.  The  fighting  had  lasted  for  several 
hours,  and  it  was  noon  as  we  mounted  again  and 
moved  across  the  prairie,  forming  a  line  nearly  at 
right  angles  with  the  army  of  General  Curtis,  then 
most  actively  pressing  the  enemy  about  three  miles 
further  north  and  west. 

Colonel  Benteen  soon  after  moved  into  a  corn  field, 
with  the  intention  of  feeding  his  exhausted  animals. 
It  became  evident,  in  a  very  few  minutes,  that  a 
battle  was  raging  at  the  front.  Our  line  of  march 
had  been  to  the  south-west,  and  the  enemy  was 
driven  beyond  the  Harrisonville  road. 

General  Sanborn  had  followed  and  driven  the 
rebel  rear  across  the  prairie,  and  as  he  now  came  in 
full  sight  of  the  battle-field  of  Westport,  with  all  its 
active  scenes,  he  re-forrned  his  brigade,  and  moved 


174  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

against  the  front  which  Price's  army  had  formed  to 
meet  him.  They  opened  a  galling  artillery  fire 
which  was  responded  to  by  Colonel  Cole,  with  Thur- 
ber's  Battery.  A  charge  was  made  by  the  rebels, 
which  shook  the  right  of  Sanborn's  Brigade,  and 
drove  in  a  portion  with  considerable  confusion. 
Our  guns  were  double  shotted,  and  soon  checked  the 
desperate  onset.  They  were  fighting  for  the  purpose 
of  withdrawing  from  the  field  in  something  like 
order.  In  this  they  succeeded,  though  at  great  loss. 
Generals  Curtis  and  Blunt  had  seen  this  advance, 
and  with  their  whole  line  were  rapidly  driving  in 
the  rebel  front  opposed  to  them,  doubling  it  upon 
their  right  flank,  which  had  faced  south  and  north 
just  east  of  the  line  road,  to  meet  Pleasanton. 
Twenty  rifled  guns  opened  along  the  entire  line,  and 
making  great  gaps,  drove  the  enemy  in  confusion. 
Colonel  Benteen,  who  had  seen  Sanborn  charged, 
and  the  slight  confusion  produced  by  it,  was  moving 
forward.  He  swung  his  leading  regiment — 10th 
Missouri  Cavalry — into  line  to  the  left,  and  ordered 
them  to  make  a  counter  charge,  which  was  done  in 
splendid  style.  The  whole  command  joined  in  the 
rapid  and  successful  movement ;  the  enemy  fled, 
and  the  two  gallant  but  wearied  armies  met  upon 
the  State  line  road,  pressing  forward  in  pursuit.  As 
they  swung  into  column  Generals  Pleasanton  and 
Blunt  met,  humedly  exchanged  congratulations, 
and  pressed  forward  to  Indian  Creek,  where  they, 
with  General  Curtis,  Generals  Deitzlei*  and  Fishback, 


COURAGE  AND  ACTIVITY  OF  MAJOR  MCKENNY.     175 

Governor  Carney,  General  Sanborn,  General  Lane, 
and  the  principal  officers  with  both  armies,  and 
citizens  wlio  had  participated  in  the  battle,  stopped 
at  a  farm  house  for  consultation  and  refreshment. 

The  pursuit  of  the  retreating  rebels  was  main- 
tained by  Colonel  Jennison  with  the  1st  Brigade, 
and  a  battalion  of  the  2d  Colorado,  Captain  Green, 
who  kept  fearlessly  on  their  heels  for  ten  miles, 
skirmishing  to  the  crossing  of  the  Blue  four  miles 
beyond  Little  Santa  Fe,  where  just  at  sundown  a 
stand  was  made  by  General  Fagan,  who  opened  on 
our  daring  troopers  with  three  rifled  guns,  arid 
compelled  them  to  desist  from  further  pursuit.  In 
this  charge  Major  McKenny,  and  Colonels  Crawford 
and  Cloud  of  Gen.  Curtis'  staff,  were  most  active. 
Colonel  Jennison,  in  his  published  report,  says  of 
the  former :  "  During  the  pursuit  I  was  accompanied 
"  by  Major  McKenny,  of  General  Curtis'  staff,  who 
"  is  entitled  to  special  mention  for  assistance  rendered 
"  here  and  elsewhere,  as  well  as  for  his  assured  and 
"courageous  bearing  upon  the  field."  A  consulta- 
tion was  held  at  Indian  Creek.  General  Pleasanton 
suggested  a  movement  by  his  division  on  the 
Harrisonville  road,  urging  the  exhausted  condition 
of  his  men  and  animals, — most  of  the  men  had  been 
constantly  in  the  saddle  for  thirty  days ;  as  also  the 
necessity  of  the  Missouri  troops  being  at  their 
several  posts  in  time  for  the  ensuing  Presidential 
election.  General  Deitzler  and  Governoi  Carney 
urged  with  great  force  that  the  militia  of  "-Northern 


170  AKMY    OF    THE    BOEDER. 

Kansas  be  relieved,  and  presenting  the  fact  of  their 
condition  in  the  field  without  proper  equipments,  <fcc., 
with  the  necessities  of  their  families  and  business 
pressing  upon  them,  as  reasons  for  the  step.  Generals 
Curtis  and  Blunt  both  coincided  in  this  view,  in 
which  General  Pleasanton  acquiesced.  General 
Curtis  knowing  the  danger  in  which  Southern 
Kansas  and  the  posts  along  the  line  were  placed,  as 
well  as  the  insufficiency  of  his  own  force  to 
effectually  check  the  enemy,  desired  that  no  deflec- 
tion should  be  made  from  the  direct  line  of  march 
pursued  by  the  enemy.  It  was  finally  determined 
to  move  to  Santa  Fe  the  same  evening,  and  then 
follow  the  retreating  foe  with  the  combined  Volun- 
teers of  Kansas  and  Missouri,  and  the  brigade  of 
militia  from  Southern  Kansas  under  General  Fish- 
back  and  Colonel  Blair.  In  accordance  with  this 
programme  the  following  order  was  issued : 

HEAD-QUAKTERS  IN  THE  FIELD,      ) 
ON  INDIAN  CREEK,  f 
GENERAL  FIELD  ORDER,  ) 
No.  —  | 

So  much  of  General  Order  No.  54,  Head-Quarters 
Department  of  Kansas,  as  proclaims  martial  law  in  North- 
ern Kansas  is  hereby  revoked. 

The  enemy  are  repelled  and  driven  south.  Our  success 
is  beyond  all  anticipation.  The  General  commanding 
delights  to  relieve  the  people  North  of  the  Kaw  from  the 
burden. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Curtis. 

C.  S.  CHARLOT,  Major  and  Chief  of  Staff. 

In  the  meanwhile  the  whole  army  moved  to  Little 
Santa  Fe,  at  which  place,  shortly  after  dark,  they 


BRIG  .  GEN.  JOHN    MCNIEL_ 


IK  II8BAHY 

OF  THE 
WRUMITY  fF  Illinois 


EXTRACT   FROM    GENERAL   M^EILs    REPORT. 


camped  for  the  night.  The  4th  Brigade,  Militia^ 
and  the  19th  Kansas  State  Militia  continued  tlje.ii; 
march,  the  balance  of  the  militia  returning  to 
Kansas  City,  whence  they  moved  homewards  under 
the  supervision  of  Governor  Carney  and  theic 
officers.  At  Little  Santa  Fe  our  troops  succeeded  in 
obtaining  some  needed  rest,  food  and  forage  ;  most 
of  the  animals  being  now  fed  for  the  first  time  since^ 
leaving  the  Big  Blue. 

From  General  McNeil's  published  report  we  give 
his  movements  on  this  eventful  Sabbath.  General 
Pleasanton  severely  criticised  the  action  of  McNeil, 
who  was  afterwards  tried  on  charges  made  by  his 
commander,  and  like  General  Brown,  was  fully  and 
honorably  acquitted  of  all  blame.  (See  Appendix  : 
Sketch  of  General  McNeil. 

At  4  o'clock  A.  M.,  October  23rd,  I  flanked  a  large  camp 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Blue,  and  near  the  Byrom  Ford. 
I  ascertained  it  to  be  the  enemy.  I  sent  a  detachment  of 
the  2d  Missouri  Cavalry  (Merrill's  Hearse)  to  the  ford,  and 
halted  to:  feed  horses,  having  marched  two  days  and  nearly 
two  nights  without  forage.  At  daybreak  a  heavy  tire 
commenced  on  my  right  and  in  the  direction  of  Westport. 
I  moved  on  towards  Hickman's  Mills,  expecting  to  be  able 
to  strike  Price's  flank,  moving  cautiously  about  four  miles. 
Firing  had  ceased  for  some  time,  when  suddenly  I  found 
myself  in  contact  with  the  entire  force  of  the  enemy.  I  at 
once  formed  my  brigade  in  linev  advanced  my  skirmishers, 
and  opened  on  their  column  with  a  section  of  Captain  Mont- 
gomery's Battery  (three-inch  Rodman  rifles).  The  enemy 
had  formed  their  line  of  three  lines  deep,  and  actually  sur- 
rounded me  on  three  sides.  My  skirmishers  (7th  Kansas 
and  Merrill's  Horse)  most  gallantly  pressed  up  to  the  main 
line  of  the  enemy's  centre.  In  the  meantime  he  had 
placed  Batteries  in  three  different  locations,  and  opened  a 
well-directed  cross-fire  upon  Montgomery.  I  was  conse- 
quently compelled  to  move  him  some  four  hundred  yards 
oo 


178  AUMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

to  the  left,  recall  my  skirmish  line,  and  occupy  the  new 
position.  I  determined  to  hold  this  position  at  all  hazards, 
in  hope  that  the  remaining  brigades  would  come  up. 
Towards  night  the  enemy  retired,  leaving  about  forty  of 
their  dead  on  the  field.  In  the  morning  (October  24th) 
I  pushed  on  their  trail,  passing  between  Hickman's  Mills 
and  Little  Santa  Fe,  where  I  then  learned  that  the  other 
brigades  were  pushed  on,  and  met  them  about  twelve  miles 
from  Santa  Fe,  where  our  lines  of  march  intersected. 

Major  S.  S.  Curtis,  who,  with  Captain  Kingsbury's 
Company  2d  Colorado,  had  been  sent  by  General 
Curtis  to  Independence,  to  communicate  with  Gene- 
ral Pleasanton,  overtook  General  McNeil  while  this 
artillery  duel  was  progressing,  and  corroborates  the 
amount  of  force  against  which  McNeil's  had  to 
contend.  As  the  battle  of  Westport  was  fought  by 
the  Divisions  of  Shelby  and  Fagan,  it  follows  that 
Marmaduke's  Division  and  the  new  one  formed  by 
Price  from  his  conscripts  and  recruits,  were  with 
the  train  encountered  by  General  McNeil.  All  data 
concur  in  making  the  rebel  army  at  this  time  as 
about  30,000.  General  McNeil  had  about  1,800 
men.  The  rebel  train  was  guarded  by  about  15,000, 
counting  Marmaduke's  Division. 

While  our  victorious  troops  were  driving  the 
rebels  southwards,  Colonel  Moonlight  with  the  2d 
Brigade  and  a  portion  of  the  12th  K.  S.  M.,  was 
moving  down  the  line,  watching,  hawk-like,  the 
enemy's  march,  and  ready  to  swoop  upon  any 
detached  parties,  or  resist  the  main  column  should 
it  cross  into  Kansas.  Colonel  Burris  accompanied 
the  column.  All  the  splendid  hours  of  that  battle- 


INCIDENTS    OF    THE    BATTLE-FIELD.  179 

morn,  until  the  sun  dipped  far  down  the  meridian, 
these  gallant  troops  stood  at  Shawnee  Mission, 
listening  to  the  cannon's  sullen  boom,  the  fainter 
rattle  of  small  arms,  and  the  mingling  sound  which 
marked  the  sway  and  sense  of  the  struggle.  Debarred 
from  direct  participation  in  the  glory  of  its  passing 
phases,  they  yet  well  esteemed  the  important  trust 
delegated  to  them  and  their  commander.  How  well 
it  was  performed,  these  pages  tell.  A  small  rebel 
force  had  crossed  the  line  in  falling  back  from  the 
battle.  But  Moonlight  was  on  their  trail.  At 
Little  Santa  Fe,  Captain  Huntoon,  with  Company 
"H,v  llth  Kansas,  being  in  the  advance,  struck  the 
rear  and  drove  it  across  the  line  out  of  Kansas.  The 
brigade  pushed  on  to  Aubrey,  and  rested  till  towards 
morning  of  the  25th.  So  lay  our  forces.  The  main 
body  near  the  village  of  Santa  Fe,  the  2d  Brigade 
about  six  miles  south,  while  General  McNeil  was 
about  four  miles  to  the  south-east.  The  rear  of  the 
rebel  army  camped  a  little  east  of  Aubrey. 

The  editor  of  the  Kansas  City  Journal  of  Com- 
merce thus  graphically  describes  some  incidents  and 
scenes  on  the  battle-field : 

"  The  battle-field  exhibited  evidences  of  the  fiercest  con- 
test. The  enemy  had  fled  in  such  haste,  that  he  had  been 
forced  to  leave  his  ^ead  and  many  of  his  severely  wounded. 
In  the  field  next  to  the  lane,  on  this  side  of  Werners 
house,  there  were  seven  dead  rebels  lying;  side  by  side, 
and  near  them  an  officer,  said  to  be  Colonel  McGee ;  around 
the  latter  the  rebels  had  built  a  little  pen  of  rails.  A 
little  further  on,  we  saw  a  dead  rebel  lying  stiff  and  stark 
by  the  road-side,  shot  throuiih  the  head.  Still  further 
on  were  the  remains  of  a  rebel  cannon,  broken  to  pieces 


180  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

by  a  shot  from  one  of  our  guns.  Striking  the  open  prairie 
beyond  Wernel's,  the  evidences  of  the  tight  were  visible 
all  about — dead  horses,  saddles,  blankets,  broken  guns  and 
dead  rebels.  A  little  distance  from  the  forks  of  the  road, 
on  the  Harrisonville  road,  lay  a  dead  rebel,  the  top  of  his 
head  shot  off  by  a  cannon  ball.  He  was  the  very  image  of 
a  bushwhacker,  and  had  on  three  pairs  of  pantaloons.  On 
one  of  his  fingers  was  a  large  gold  ring.  One  of  our 
soldiers  tried  to  take  it  off,  but  the  linger  was  so  swollen 
that  it  would  not  come  off,  and  he  left  it  and  passed  on. 
Another  dead  rebel  we  saw  in  this  part  of  the  field.  He 
was  clothed  in  a  fine  suit  of  new  clothes,  evidently  the 
plunder  of  some  store  or  house.  On  the  prairie  our  shells 
seemed  to  have  done  the  main  execution.  About  three 
miles  out  was  a  rebel  shot  through  the  bowels,  and  left  by 
his  companions  by  the  roadside  to  die.  At  a  house  by  the 
road  was  one  shot  through  the  neck — a  mortal  wound. 
Early  in  the  day  the  rebels  took  possession  of  Mr.  Wernel's 
house  for  a  hospital.  Here  they  left  about  a  dozen,  too 
severely  wounded  to  be  moved,  and  three  soldiers  to  take 
care  of  them.  We  interrogated  some  of  these  men,  and 
they  all  were  members  of  Dobbin's  brigade  of  Arkansas 
troops  With  one  exception,  of  those  we  conversed  with, 
they  claimed  to  have  been  forced  into  the  service ;  one,  a 
boy  of  eighteen,  said  he  volunteered  rather  than  be  con- 
scripted. The  most  of  those  wounded  will  die,  being  shot 
through  the  body.  The  less  severely  wounded  were 
removed  last  night  to  Westport,  and  are  receiving  the 
same  attentions  as  our  wounded. 

Quite  a  haul  of  prisoners  was  made  during  the  day. 
Some  forty  or  fifty  of  them  were  marshalled  in  line  just  at 
night  as  we  came  through  Westport,  and  started  off  under 
guard  for  this  place.  Many  of  them  were  mere  boys  from 
sixteen  to  nineteen  years  old.  Some  of  them  had  a  bush- 
whacker look,  while  some  of  them  looked  like  k'  good  quiet 
farmers,"  who  had  lately  joined  the  expedition  for  plunder. 
One  of  them  remarked  that  they  "had  got  the  joke  on  Old 
Pap  this  time,  as  they  would  surely  beat  him  into  Kansas 
City."  Another  remarked  that  "  He  wished  Old  Pap  was 
along  with  them." 

One  thing  was  to  be  remarked  of  all  the  rebels  we  saw 
— dead  or  alive — the  stolid,  ignorant,  degraded  appearance 
of  the  whole  of  them.  They  seem  to  belong  to  a  different 


THE    WOUNDED    CARED   FOR.  181 

race  from  onrs,  and  most  certainly  an  interior  one.  In 
truth,  this  war  is  one  of  intelligence,  enlightened  and 
Christian  civilization  against  barbarism.  These  miserable, 
degraded,  hungry  wretches,  on  their  errand  of  plunder  and 
devastation  to  our  peaceful  homes,  are  fit  representatives  of 
the  half- civilized  power  that  is  endeavoring  to  overthrow 
republican  institutions  on  this  continent. 

Woe  would  have  betided  the  homes  of  this  hated  city  had 
these  wretches  made  good  their  entrance  here.  That  they 
did  not,  we  owe,  under  the  good  Providence  of  God,  to  the 
brave  Kansas  boys  who  helped  us  beat  the  invader  back. 
We  should  certainly  have  been  overpowered  had  they  not 
crossed  the  line  and  helped  to  fight  their  own  as  well  as  our 
battle  on  Missouri  soil. 

Our  wounded,  as  well  as  those  of  the  rebel  army 
left  on  the  field,  had  been  carefully  and  promptly 
attended  to,  under  the  direction  of  Surgeon  S.  B 
Davis,  Division  Medical  Director,  who  by  General 
Curtis  had  been  announced  as  Medical  Director  of 
the  army.  He  was  present  at  Lexington  and  at  the 
Little  Blue.  At  Independence,  a  hospital  was 
organized  and  placed  under  charge  of  Surgeon  S.  P. 
Earlickson,  16th  K.  V.  C.  Thirty-one  of  the  most 
seriously  wounded  were  left  in  the  town,  and  were 
retaken  by  General  McNeil.  Arrangements  were 
made  at  Kansas  City  for  ample  hospital  accommoda- 
tions. The  severely  wounded  on  the  22d,  at  Byrom's 
Ford,  Hickman's  Mill  Crossing,  and  on  the  State 
line,  were  left  on  the  field.  On  the  morning  of  the 
23rd,  Surgeon  Davis,  with  Surgeon  Philip  Harvey, 
U.  S.  V.,  and  the  various  regimental  surgeons,  were 
efficiently  engaged  with  organizing  an  ambulance 
corps.  The  regimental  Chaplains  were  all  active 
and  very  efficient.  Surgeon  Davis,  with  ambulances, 


182  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

proceeded  to  the  front  for  the  purpose  of  gathering 
the  wounded  of  the  previous  day,  hut  as  the  battle 
had  commenced,  this  became  impossible.  Major 
Davis  remained  at  the  front,  rendering  efficient 
service  as  Aide,  until  the  final  charge  was  made. 
The  field  was  then  searched,  and  all  the  wounded 
removed.  A  number  too  seriously  injured  were 
arranged  in  a  temporary  hospital  at  Westport,  to 
which  a  number  of  gallant  members  of  the  2d 
Regiment  K.  S.  M.,  who  had  remained  on  the  field 
from  the  22d  unattended,  were  removed.  Assistant 
Surgeon  Graham,  13th  K.  V.  I.  (who,  being  on 
furlough,  had  volunteered  his  services),  was  placed 
in  charge.  The  steamer  "  Tom  Morgan "  was  sent 
to  Independence,  and  all  the  rebel  and  wounded  of 
Kansas  regiments  removed.  Surgeon  Harvey  was 
placed  in  general  charge  of  all  the  field  hospitals 
now  established,  and  on  the  24th  Surgeon  Davis 
started  to  rejoin  the  army.  Surgeons  Pollock,  2d 
Colorado,  and  Ainsworth,  llth  Kansas,  and  Assist- 
ant Surgeons  Vance  and  Aikens,  2d  Colorado  Volun- 
teers, had  preceded  him. 


CHAPTER    XV. 


P  (JESUIT    OF   PEICE    DOWN  THE    STATE    LIKE. 

AT  sunrise  of  the  24th,  the  troops  now  comprising 
the  Army  of  the  Border  were  on  the  march.  The 
rear  of  Price's  Army  had  encamped*  eight  or  ten  miles 
to  the  south.  The  advance,  with  their  immense- 
train  and  imperfectly  armed  division,  of  conscripts, 
volunteers  and  bushwhackers,  under  a  Brigadier- 
General  Tyler,  the  prisoners  and  Provost  Guard,  and 
the  division  under  Marmaduke,  was  at  least  five  miles 
further.  The  rebel  army  moved  with  great  celerity, 
being  all  mounted.  It  marched,  as  appeared  from 
its  broad  and  massively  marked  trails,  in  two 
columns  of  companies,  one  on  each  side  of  the 
Prairie  road,  with  artillery,  etc.,  in  the  centre. 

The  1st  Division  was  under  Major-General  James 
G.  Blunt,  and  consisted  of  the  volunteers  of  the 
department  of  Kansas  (except  Moonlight's  Brigade) 
and  the  militia  from  Southern  Kansas — the  region 
now  threatened.  The  composition  of  the  2d  Division, 
under  Major-General  Alfred  Pleasanton,  has  already 


184  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

been  given.  Its  brigades  were  led  by  efficient 
officers. 

The  commanding  General  was  accompanied  by 
Company  "  G,"  1 1th  Kansas  Cavalry,  under  Lieu- 
tenant Gill,  and  a  detachment  of  the  veteran  2d 
Kansas  Cavalry  (about  one  hundred  and  fifty),  under 
Major  Henry  Hopkins,  with  four  howitzers  under 
Sergeant  Sloonacker.  The  2d  Brigade,  1st  Division, 
Colonel  Thomas  Moonlight,  consisting  of  the  llth 
Kansas,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Plumb,  and  a 
detachment  of  the  5th,  under  Captain  Young,  with 
four  howitzers,  about  700  men,  were  detached, 
watching  the  rebel  right  flank. 

The  force  now  in  direct  pursuit  of  Price  was 
about  10,000  men,  with  three  field  batteries,  and 
two  of  mountain  howitzers.  General  Rosecrans  left 
Independence  the  same  morning  that  the  cavalry 
marched  from.  Little  Santa  Fe.  The  infantry 
division,  under  Major-General  A.  J.  Smith,  from  In- 
dependence had  marched  towards  Harrisonville, 
north-west,  but  too  far  east  to  be  of  service  against 
Price. 

As  the  camp  broke,  the  1st  Division  took  the  lead; 
the  4th  Brigade,  Colonel  Ford,  being  in  advance. 
Three  squadrons  of  the  2d  Colorado  formed  the 
advance,  which  was  commanded  by  Captain  E.  W. 
Kingsbury. 

Nothing  of  importance  occurred  during  the  march 
except  the  capture  of  several  stragglers  and  a 
number  of  exhausted  rebels  who  were  abandoned  by 


MARKS    OF   THE    REBEL    RETREAT.  185 

their  comrades.  At  the  crossing  of  the  Big  Blue, 
was  to  be  seen  the  marks  of  Colonel  Jennison's 
presence  in  stark  forms  of  several  bushwhacking 
looking  individuals,  who  had  met  their  fate  during 
the  night.  Among  these  was  one  clothed  in  a 
Federal  uniform,  who,  in  obedience  to  general  orders, 
was  hung  as  a  spy. 

The  day  waned,  the  march  continued  with 
unabated  vigor,  and  the  road  was  more  thickly 
strewed  with  the  defois  of  a  retreating  foe.  Hun- 
dreds of  broken  down  and  abandoned  animals  could 
be  seen  feebly  grazing  along  our  line  of  march. 
Broken  wagons,  and,  about  noon,  the  limber  and 
caisson  of  a  twenty-four-pound  howitzer,  captured  on 
the  22d  from  General  M.  S.  Grant,  near  the  Moccabee 
farm,  were  found  on  the  road.  The  rebel  rear  kept 
well  in  advance,  and  a  dense  moving  column  of  dust 
some  miles  to  the  south  alone  told  of  their -presence. 
Occasionally  small  parties  might  be  seen  moving 
from  the  right  in  the  direction  of  the  main  column. 
As  the  afternoon  waned,  evidences  of  the  haste  with 
which  the  rebels  pressed  forward  were  visible  on  all 
hands.  Large  droves  of  foot-sore  cattle  were  now 
found,  as  well  as  many  sick  men  lying  by  the  road 
side. 

The  country  through  which  the  march  extended 
was  entirely  deserted.  So  far,  the  main  body  of 
neither  army  had  entered  Kansas.  The  State  line 
road  runs  about  a  mile  from  the  east  border  of 
Kansas.  As  the  troops  marched  through  the  hours 
23 


186  ARMY    OF    TILE    BOEDER. 

of 'that  pleasant  October  day,  the  western  prairies 
were  eagerly  scanned  by  those  who  hourly  expected 
to  see  the  wreathing  smoke  arising  which  would  tell 
of  the  invaders'  torch.  But  the  indomitable  Moon- 
light was  pressing  on  that  flank,  and  until  darkness 
hid  the  pursuit,  no  outlying  parties  of  marauders 
ventured  into  the  State.  At  Coldwater  Grove, 
about  fifteen  miles  from  Santa  Fe,  the  2d  Brigade 
struck  the  rebel  centre,  and  skirmished  with  it  for 
some  time.  The  movement  was  a  bold  one,  and 
entirely  successful  in  creating  a  panic  sufficient  to 
induce  the  rebel  commanders  to  keep  their  force  well 
in  hand  and  move  steadily  south.  Seeing  that  they 
must  camp  on  the  Marias  des  Cygnes,  where  the 
road  to  Fort  Scott  deflects  from  the  Line  road, 
Colonel  Moonlight  moved  rapidly  towards  Mound 
City,  which  was  threatened  by  this  route. 

The  border  of  Missouri,  through  which  both 
armies  were  passing,  was  entirely  desolate ;  not  with 
the  grand  monotony  of  nature,  but  with  the  ruin  of 
civilization  and  cultivation.  Desolation  most  abso- 
lute and  appalling ;  for  it  told  of  the  savage  devasta- 
tion of  partizan  warfare,  and  of  the  fearful  retribution 
the  passions  of  men  had  inflicted.  The  condition  of 
the  Missouri  border  affords  a  vivid  illustration  of  the 
solemn  warning  of  the  sacred  writer :  "It  must  needs 
be  that  offences  come ;  but  woe  unto  him  by  whom 
offences  corueth."  The  outrages  inflicted  upon  the 
Free  State  settlers  of  Kansas  by  citizens  of  Missouri, 
for  and  in  behalf  of  human  slavery,  were  fearfully 


"JEKNISON'S  TOMBSTONES."  187 

balanced  by  the  woe  which  had  lighted  upon  their 
land. 

During  the  fifty  miles  of  this  march  not  an  inhabi- 
tant was  to  be  seen.  Where  they  had  lived  was 
marked  by  the  charred  remains  of  consumed 
dwellings,  the  only  standing  parts  of  which  were 
brick  chimneys,  built  according  to  Southern 
fashion,  on  the  house's  exterior.  These  are  familiarly 
known  as  "Jennison's  Tombstones,"  from,  the  fact 
that  that  partizan,  in  his  campaign  of  1861-2,  burnt 
the  houses  in  all  districts  infested  by  bushwhackers. 
Long  lines  of  grey  ashes  told  where  fences  had  stood ; 
while  rank  crops  of  unsightly  weeds  marked  where 
cultivation  had  once  smiled.  It  was  a  fair  land  to 
look  upon.  Broad,  swelling  prairies  stretching  east 
and  west;  well-defined  water  courses,  with  dark 
masses  of  wood  robed  in  autumnal  glory,  all  com- 
bined to  make  a  bright  picture  of  pastoral  beauty. 
Yet  it  was  desolate  and  dreary,  and  in  spite  of  the 
natural  advantages,  there  rested  over  all  a  sense  of 
brooding  horror. 

At  sundown  the  column  halted  at  Westpoint,  a 
deserted  and  half  burnt  village  upon  the  State  line, 
about  forty  miles  north  of  Fort  Scott.  At  this 
place  the  evidences  of  gaining  upon  the  rebel  march 
were  more  apparent. 

Darkness  came  on.  The  troops  of  the  1st  Division 
made  such  preparations  for  refreshing  themselves  as 
their  scant  means  allowed.  The  crimson  light  of 
many  fires  gleamed  through  the  gray  night  mist. 


188  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

Some  of  the  cattle  abandoned  by  the  rebels  were 
slaughtered,  and  the  fresh  beef,  roasted  on  sticks  over 
blazing  fires,  was  eagerly  eaten  by  hungry  soldiers, 
in  most  instances  without  salt  or  bread.  Thus  they 
rested.  The  clouds  grew  darker  and  a  heavy  mist 
began  to  fall. 

In  the  meanwhile  impending  operations  were  of 
course  the  subject  of  discussion  between  the  Generals. 
It  was  evident  that  the  retreating  rebels  could  not 
march  further  that  night.  They  had  traveled  sixty 
miles  without  rest.  Eight  miles  to  the  south  was  the 
Marais  des  Cygnes*  river,  at  the  Trading  Post  cross- 
ing of  which  the  rebels  would  probably  encamp.  They 
had  left  the  Line  road  near  this  place  (Westpoint), 
and  were  then  in  Kansas.  The  Trading  Post,  a 
small  hamlet  on  the  south  side  of  the  stream,  was 
about  two  miles  west  of  the  line,  and  was  surrounded 
by  a  populous  farming  settlement.  During  the 
previous  summer  a  company  of  the  15th  Kansas  had 
been  stationed  there.  A  large  quantity  of  hay 
belonging  to  the  Government  was  stacked  there. 
The  stream  is  wide  ;  the  Ford  has  steep  banks ;  the 
timber  dense  and  broad,  and  the  approach  from  the 
north  easily  defended  from  two  mounds,  between 
which  the  road  passes. 

General  Blunt  urged  that  army  pass  to  the  west, 
crossing  by  a  ford  four  miles  above,  and  thus  flank- 
ing the  enemy,  be  placed  right  in  its  path,  compel- 

*  Swamp  of  the  Swans. 


FURY   OF    THE    REBELS.  189 

ling  Price  to  fight  or  surrender.  This  movement  \v'as 
urged  with  great  pertinacity,  but  was  finally  rejected 
by  General  Curtis,  as  involving  an  additional  march 
of  fifteen  miles  without  the  certainty  that  the  rebel 
army  would  not  move  so  easily  and  rapid  as  to 
render  it  of  no  avail.  He  therefore  determined  that 
the  pursuit  be  followed  on  the  same  line,  directing 
that  General  Pleasanton's  Division  now  take  the 
right  for  a  night  march.  Over  two  hours  were 
consumed  in  this  change.  General  Sanborn  took 
command  of  the  advance,  with  his  own  and  Phillips' 
brigade ;  Colonel  Gravelley,  8th  M.  S.  M.,  having 
the  front. 

While  this  change  was  progressing,  and  the  weary 
1st  Division  were  taking  advantage  thereof  to  rest 
as  well  as  they  could,  Captain  Kingsbury,  with  his 
battalion  of  Colorado  Cavalry,  unacquainted  with 
the  newT  order,  had  pressed  close  upon  the  rebel  rear, 
which  he  struck  about  four  miles  from  Westpoint. 

The  malignant  fury  of  the  rebel  invader  was  now 
apparent.  They  had  entered  Kansas.  The  first 
house  across  the  line  was  the  scene  of  a  dastardly 
murder.  An  old,  gray-haired  minister  of  the  Gospel 
lay  dead,  with  white  locks  reddened  by  his  own 
blood.  The  woman  and  children  were  frantic  and 
crazed  with  terror  and  grief.  The  fence  and -out- 
house were  burning.  The  interior  of  the  cabin 
presented  a  woe-begone  appearance.  A  perfect 
saturnalia  of  destruction  seemed  to  have  reigned. 
Everything  not  portable  had  been  broken.  On  the 


190  ARMY    OF    THE    B011DER. 

floor  were  black  and  charred  marks,  where  fire  had 
been  set.  The  frightened  inmates  were  stripped  of 
nearly  every  article  of  clothing  on  their  persons  or 
in  the  cabin ;  and  to  crown  the  brutality,  in  very 
wantonness,  the  ruffians  had  shot  one  of  their 
exhausted  horses  and  tumbled  it  into  the  spring,  in 
order  to  make  the  water  useless.  Such  was  the  first 
scene  witnessed  by  those  of  our  oflicers  who  had 
pressed  on  behind  the  advance.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Wheeler,  13th  Kansas,  Captain  Young,  5th  Kansas, 
and  Captain  Hinton,  A.  D.  C.  to  General  Blunt, 
all  rendered  the  bereaved  woman  what  assistance 
and  consolation  they  could. 

The  latter  moved  on  to  overtake  Captain  Kings- 
bury.  At  every  dwelling  the  scene  thus  described 
was  repeated.  Fortunately  the  men  had  fled  or  were 
in  the  militia  regiments  halted  at  Westpoint.  Night 
had  fallen,  darkness  and  rain  set  in,  and  a  cover 
afforded  for  marauding  which  was  freely  used.  This 
portion  of  Kansas  (Linn  county)  is  the  section  which 
suffered  most  under  the  rebel  march.  A  writer  in 
the  Border  Sentinel  thus  describes  the  condition  of 
the  county,  and  some  of  the  brutalities  practiced : 

"  Along  the  line  of  retreat  of  the  rebel  army  every  house 
within  reach  of  the  main  body  or  flankers  was  robbed  of 
everything  it  contained.  All  kinds  of  clothing  were  taken ; 
even  the  flannel  was  in  some  instances  taken  from  infants. 
Every  morsel  of  food,  cooked  and  uncooked,  was  consumed, 
destroyed  or  taken  along  ;  and  all  the  stock  that  could  be 
led  or  driven  was  taken ;  in  fact,  everything  valuable  and 
not  valuable  was  taken ;  so  that  those  men  and  families 


INSTANCES    OF   REBEL    BRUTALITY.  191 

whose  hard  fate  it  was  to  be  in  the  way,  are  left  stripped  of 
every  comfort  and  necessary  of  life.       * 

"The  retreat  of  the  rebel  army  is  marked  not  only  by 
robbery  and  desolation  of  the  wildest  kind,  but  the  liends 
were  not  content  with  that.  Six  miles  north  of  the  Trad- 
ing Post  they  murdered  Samuel  A.  Long,  aged  fifty-six 
years ;  he  was  previously  robbed  of  his  money.  Three 
miles  north  of  the  Trading  Post,  John  Williams,  a 
preacher,  aged  sixty  years,  was  indecently  mutilated  and 
then  hung.  Five  miles  north  of  the  Post,  Richard  B. 
Yernon  was  murdered  ;  and  in  the  vicinity  ot  the  Post, 
John  Miller,  aged  sixty-live  years,  was  killed.  Many  other 
citizens,  all  unarmed,  as  these  were,  were  shot  at." 

Another  writer  in  the  Leavenworth  Times  gives 
his  testimony : 

"  The  rebels  sustained  their  well-earned  reputation  tor 
savage  brutality,  which  had  previously  secured  for  them 
an  infamous  place  in  history.  Seven  or  eight  men,  aged 
and  unarmed,  were  murdered  near  Trading  Post.  In  an 
extent  of  six  miles  wide  through  which  the  army  passed  in 
Linn  county,  every  house  was  plundered  of  all  kinds  of 
provisions,  blankets,  clothing  and  all  articles,  valuable  or 
worthless,  that  could  be  carried  off.  Even  the  flannel  was 
taken  from  infants,  in  two  instances  that  have  come  to  my 
knowledge ;  and  two  young  ladies  were  stripped  of  every 
article  of  clothing  except  one  under-garment  to  each.  A 
woman  who  was  holding  a  sick  baby  had  the  shawl  rudely 
torn  from  about  it.  Only  one  house  was  burned  in  this 
county  (Mr.  Dowd's  store,  at  Trading  Post)  and  it  is  said 
that  Price  had  the  man  shot  who  did  that." 

During  the  day  dispatches  had  been  sent  by 
General  Curtis  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Drake,  17th 
Kansas,  commanding  at  Paola,  after  our  columns 
were  south  of  that  place,  informing  him  that  his 
post  was  no  longer  in  danger^  and  directing  that  he 
render  all  possible  assistance  to  reinforcing  Mound 
City  and  Fort  Scott.  Dispatches  were  also  sent  to 


192  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

Fort  Scott,  and  at  sundown  to  Colonel  Moonlight  at 
Mound  City,  directing  him  to  press  forward  to  the 
former  post  at  all  speed,  holding  it  at  all  hazards 
until  our  army  reinforced  him.  The  messenger 
(citizen)  sent  with  this  dispatch  failed  to  get  through, 
having  been  driven  back  by  rebel  scouts,  and  was 
met  several  miles  from  Westpoint  by  Captain 
Hinton,  who  sent  him  to  try  again,  accompanied  by 
a  member  of  the  15th  Kansas,  whose  family  lived  in 
the  vicinity,  and  who  knew  the  country  thoroughly. 
They  succeeded  in  reaching  Colonel  Moonlight 
during  the  night. 

Mound  City,  the  county  seat  of  Linn,  was  eleven 
miles  west  of  the  Trading  Post,  which  the  rebel 
advance  reached  at  four  P.  M.  Messengers  were 
sent  to  warn  Captain  Green,  Company  "I,"  15th 
Kansas,  who  with  eighty  men  of  that  regiment  and 
three  companies  of  militia,  exempts  and  negroes,  was 
holding  the  place.  A  detachment,  about  six  hun- 
dred strong,  was  seen  moving  in  that  direction. 
This  was  believed  to  be  a  bushwhacking  force,  until 
scouts  brought  intelligence  which  proved  beyond 
cavil  that  it  belonged  to  the  rebel  army. 

Every  precaution  and  preparation  was  made  by 
Captain  Green.  His  small  force  was  posted  so  as  to 
command  the  approaches.  The  Government  stores 
were  loaded  for  removal.  Information  was  sent  to 
Fort  Scott  south  and  to  Paola  north  of  the  rebel 
approach.  About  this  time  a  dispatch  was  received 
from  Colonel  Moonlight,  who  was  pressing  vigorously 


SKIRMISHING    AT    TRADING    POST.  193 

on  to  relieve  this  place.  Scouting  parties  were  sent 
out,  one  of  whom  encountered  a  rebel  picket  six 
miles  from  town.  Intelligence  was  received  from 
Colonel  Drake.  He  was  on  the  march  with  part  of 
the  17th  Kansas.  The  llth  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel 
Mitchell,  had  joined  Colonel  Moonlight.  The  19th, 
Colonel  F.  W.  Potter,  was  at  Paola.  About  mid- 
night Colonel  Moonlight  reached  Mound  City, 
having  marched  sixty-five  miles  without  food  or 
forage. 

At  the  Trading  Post  was  encamped  the  rebel 
army.  Captain  Kingsbury  attacked  and  drove  in 
their  pickets  about  eight  P.  M.,  immediately  sending 
back  messengers  to  General  Blunt,  supposed  to  be 
close  behind.  He  continued  skirmishing  slightly 
for  two  hours,  until  relieved  by  Colonel  Gravelley, 
and  ordered  to  withdraw  from  the  advance  by 
General  Sanborn. 

The  advance  of  Pleasanton's  Division  reached  the 
vicinity  of  the  mounds,  occupied  strongly  by  the 
rebel  outposts,  about  10  A.  M.  Finding  the  rebels 
in*  force  (as  General  Sanborn  believed),  and  not 
knowing  the  topography,  by  his  orders,  Colonel 
Gravelley  withdrew  our  pickets  about  half  a  mile, 
and  the  troops  were  ordered  to  rest.  Sanborn  estab- 
lished his  head-quarters  at  the  house  of  Elder 
Williams,  three  miles  north  of  the  Trading  Post. 
The  country  hereabouts  being  enclosed,  the  1st  Divi- 
sion was  halted  three  miles  further  to  the  rear,  on  the 
open  prairie,  unable  to  reach  the  fields  where  forage 
24 


194  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

and  fuel  could  be  obtained.  For  hours  Colonel 
Blair's  Militia  Brigade,  still  further  in  the  rear,  stood 
by  their  horses,  having  no  orders  to  rest,  without  fire 
to  dry  their  drenched  garments,  and  without  food. 
About  midnight  some  fires  were  lighted,  but  they 
were  shortly  extinguished,  under  apprehension  that 
our  position  would  be  seen  through  them. 

General  Curtis,  whose  object  was  to  press  the  foe, 
at  least  keep  him  aroused  and  in  a  state  of  activity, 
so  as  to  complete  the  breaking  down  of  his  forces 
from  exhaustion,  finding  the  column  halted,  and  no 
sound  of  conflict  to  be  heard,  sent  Majors  Weed, 
McKenny  and  Hunt,  with  Capt.  Meeker,  to  General 
Sanborn,  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  halt.  They 
found  that  officer  in  his  blanket,  and  were  informed 
that  he  was  satisfied  the  enemy  was  in  force  upon 
the  mounds  in  front,  and  that  he  could  not  take  the 
responsibility  of  moving  further  till  daylight.  On 
this  being  communicated  to  General  Curtis,  he 
ordered  that  artillery  be  opened  upon  the  rebel  camp. 
Owino-  to  the  darkness  and  storm,  this  was  not 

o 

accomplished  till  near  daylight. 

In  the  meanwhile,  Major  E.  H.  Hunt,  with  Captain 
R  J.  Hinton,  had  moved  to  our  picket  lines,  aroused 
the  Colorado  battalion  from  its  bivouac,  and  passing 
Colonel  Gravelley's  quarters,  informed  him  of  their 
intention,  moved  out  to  attack  and  drive  in  the  rebel 
pickets,  determining  to  carry  the  mounds  under 
cover  of  the  rain  and  darkness. 


//QSAGE    OR,    MNME    CREEK, 

Plr)y 

P//J 


CHAPTEK    XVI. 


ATTACK     ON     THE    MOUND BATTLES     OF    MAKIAS     DE8 

CYGNES    AND    MINE    CHEEK. 

THE  Colorado  boys  moved  cheerfully  to  the  work 
before  them.  It  was  a  dangerous  task,  the  character 
of  which  seemed  highteneed  by  the  darkness  of  the 
night,  and  the  heavy  mist  soon  to  change  into  a 
tempest  of  rain.  Yet  these  were  favorable  assist- 
ants ;  the  rain  deadened  our  movements,  while 
darkness  covered  the  approach.  Captain  Kingsbury 
believed  the  rebel  force  on  the  mounds  compara- 
tively small,  and  stated  his  first  attack  had  created 
alarm ;  that  before  withdrawing,  the  harnessing  of 
animals,  the  movements  of  wagons,  and  other  prepa- 
rations for  leaving,  were  most  plainly  audible  in  the 
rebel  camp,  which  seemed  to  occupy  a  large  space 
on  both  sides  of  the  river.  The  enemy's  exhausted 
state  was  evident  from  their  failure  to  obstruct, 
as  they  might  have  done,  the  passage  of  the  stream, 
the  road  through  the  timber,  and  the  steep  banks 
beyond. 


198  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

Our  picket  line  was  formed  along  the  main  road, 
and  in  the  open  fields  about  a  half  mile  from  the 
timber's  edge.  East  of  the  road  was  a  steep  mound, 
with  bare  sides,  looking  to  the  north.  West  of  the 
road,  and  a  little  further  to  the  south,  was  one 
higher  and  more  precipitous,  covered  with  brush 
and  trees  to  the  summit.  These  afforded  formidable 
points  of  defence,  and  looming  through  the  flashing 
lightning  and  rifted  rain-clouds,  seemed  more  difficult 
to  attain  than  afterwards,  when  daylight  gave  a 
correct  idea  of  the  surroundings. 

As  the  Colorado  boys  advanced,  Colonel  Gravelley 
(who  accompanied  them,  having  sent  for  his  com- 
mand), Major  R.  H.  Hunt,  Capt.  R.  J.  Hinton,  Capt. 
Kingsbury,  Lieut.  Hubbard,  Signal  Officer  (who  with 
some  of  the  corps  had  joined  the  movement),  were 
joined  by  a  volunteer  scout  of  General  Blunt,  Marcus, 
formerly  of  the  10th  Kansas,  who  some  time  previ- 
ously had  passed  our  pickets  and  succeeded  in 
creeping  through  the  brush  and  tall  grass  half  way 
up  the  eastern  mound,  listening  to  the  rebels  talk, 
and  ascertaining  their  numbers.  He  reported  this 
mound  held  by  about  three  hundred  men ;  that  the 
force  north  of  the  stream  was  a  brigade  under 
General  Slemmons,  with  three  guns. 

The  darkness  was  great,  and  the  heavy  rain 
poured  down.  The  2d  Colorado  advanced  on  the 
north-west,  while  Colonel  Gravelley's  force,  now 
moving  up,  were  placed  to  their  left.  The  line 
moved  steadily  till  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the 


A    BRILLIANT    ASSAULT.  199 

mound,  when  clear  and  sharp  through  the  night  rung 
the  rebel  challenge,  replied  to  simultaneously  by 
ours :  "  Who  goes  there  ?"  and  "  Who  are  you  ?"  as 
quickly  answered,  " Federal  troops,"  "Confederates." 
The  sound  of  the  challenge  had  not  died  away  when 
the  hill-side  blazed  with  a  long,  waving,  flashing  line 
of  fire,  and  the  sharp  ring  of  musketry  gave  forth 
rude  alarm.  Through  the  darkness  flashed  returning 
blaze.  With  varying  fortune  our  line  moved  on 
steadily  up  the  hill,  driving  the  rebels  back.  A 
small  squad  of  Colorado  men  passed  round  the 
western  base  and  looked  on  the  southern  side  of  the 
mound.  They  were  soon  .greeted  with  a  blinding 
flash,  the  crashing  of  a  hundred  bullets,  and  under 
so  overwhelming  a  fire,  fell  back  to  the  main  body, 
having  learned  of  the  extent  of  the  force  stationed 
there,  through  the  lightning  and  musketry  flashes. 
General  Sanborn  had  been  ordered  by  General 
Curtis  to  open  with  artillery,  but  so  far  its  sound  was 
not  heard.  Colonel  Gravelley  dismounted  and  most 
gallantly  led  his  men,  in  the  face  of  a  heavy  fire,  up 
the  mound,  as  did  Captain  Kingsbury  also.  Major 
Hunt  had  returned  to  see  to  the  artillery.  Captain 
Hinton  moved  with  the  advance.  Just  before  day 
broke,  a  rebel  battery  opened,  though  their  shells 
overshot  and  did  no  damage.  With  a  cheer  our  line 
advanced  and  carried  the  top  of  the  mound  and 
opened  a  brisk  fire  upon  the  rebels  formed  in  line 
of  battle  in  an  open  field  just  south  of  this  mound. 


200  ARMY    OF    THE   BOEDER. 

The  day  broke  clear,  and  the  welcome  sound  of 
our  artillery  was  heard.  The  shells  fell  however  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  men  on  the  mound.  General 
Sanborn  was  moving  forward  with  his  command. 
Major  Hunt  riding  up,  soon  caused  a  cessation 
of  the  fire,  and  the  battery  was  moved  to  a  better 
position. 

From  the  condition  of  the  roads  through  the 
heavy  rain,  and  the  passage  over  them  of  the  rebel 
army,  it  became  evident  that  the  movements  of  our 
troops  would  necessarily  be  slow.  General  Curtis, 
with  his  staff,  was  on  horseback  at  the  earliest  dawn, 
and  moved  to  the  front.  From  the  summit  of  the 
captured  mound,  about  2,000  rebels  could  be  seen  in 
line  of  battle  on  the  edge  of  the  timber,  from  a  bat- 
tery in  which,  at  long  intervals,  they  sent  a  shell 
screaming  in  our  direction.  After  the  storm  of  the 
night,  the  clouds  had  broken  away,  the  sunrise  lit 
the  scene  with  splendor,  and  all  the  landscape 
glowed  and  twinkled.  It  was  hailed  as  an  omen  of 
success. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Benteen,  with  his  brigade,  by 
direction  of  General  Sanborn,  had  sent  one  regiment 
to  a  ford  three  miles  west,  and  the  4th  Iowa  Cavalry 
to  report  to  Colonel  Gravelley,  and  under  his  direc- 
tion they  were  directed  to  carry  the  mound  on  the 
right,  which  about  daylight  was  done  without 
serious  opposition. 

General  Pleasanton,  unattended,  rode  to  the  sum- 
mit of  the  mound,  followed  by  General  Sanborn. 


STATE    OF   THE    VACATED    CAMP.  201 

The  troops  were  then  formed  in  column  on  the  road  ; 
the  enemy's  rear  guard  falling  back  rapidly  through 
the  timber.  Colonel  Gravelley,  with  the  8th  and  6th 
M.  S.  M.  (the  latter  commanded  by  Major  Plumb), 
and  Kingsbury's  Colorado  Battalion,  moved  towards 
the  ford,  followed  by  Colonel  Phillip's  advance,  the 
2d  Arkansas,  Colonel  Phelps.  Major  Hunt  and 
Captain  Hinton,  reported  to  General  Pleasanton,  and 
by  him  were  requested  to  assist  General  Sanborn  as 
Aides. 

At  the  ford  a  small  body  of  rebels  were  engaged 
in  felling  trees  to  obstruct  the  passage.  Major  Hunt 
moved  rapidly  with  a  detachment  of  the  2d  Colo- 
rado, led  by  Captain  Kingsbury,  to  drive  them  away. 
A  sharp  fusilade  ensued,  lasting  a  few  minutes,  not 
however  before  the  enemy  had  succeeded  in  creating 
an  obstruction  which  was  a  serious  cause  of  delay. 
We  passed  through  the  hastily  vacated  camp.  Cloth- 
ing, blankets,  parts  of  tents,  camp  utensils,  mess 
chests,  etc.,  all  betokened  the  hasty  evacuation.  The 
picture  was  hideous  in  its  filth.  The  debris  of  a 
camp  is  never  a  sightly  object,  but  the  peculiar 
features  thereof  were  enhanced  by  the  knee  deep 
mud,  the  remains  of  slaughtered  cattle,  the  broken 
equipments,  and  the  disgusting  effluvia  which  greeted 
the  nostrils.  The  little  hamlet  looked  woe-begone.  A 
few  women,  ashen  grey  with  terror,  and  half  naked, 
poured  blessings  upon  the  troops  as  they  moved 
by.  In  every  house  were  found  sick  or  wounded 
rebels.  Some  stragglers  were  captured  during  the 
25 


202  AEMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

morning,  and  it  is  believed  were  hung  by  our  troops 
in  the  rear.  The  passions  aroused  by  the  sight  of 
their  pillaged  homes,  their  insulted  friends,  and  the 
knowledge  of  the  base  murders  committed  on  old 
and  defenceless  men,  might  afford  palliation  of  such 
acts  of  summary  retaliation. 

At  the  crossing,  the  advance  was  joined  by 
Colonel  S.  J.  Crawford,  and  Colonel  C.  W.  Blair, 
Volunteer  Aides-de-Camp,  who  had  pressed  forward 
to  see  the  position  of  affairs.  Colonel  Blair,  know- 
ing that  his  brigade  could  not  cross  till  late  in  the 
morning,  and  naturally  anxious  as  to  the  fate  of  Fort 
Scott,  which  was  his  post  and  the  residence  of  his 
family,  had  come  to  the  front.  General  Blunt  also 
joined  General  Curtis  at  the  ford. 

The  2d  Arkansas  Cavalry  were  first  on  the  south 
side,  followed  immediately  by  the  Colorado  Battal- 
ion. Detachments  of  the  5th  and  8th  M.  S.  M. 
came  next.  The  enemy  had  set  fire  to  a  couple  of 
large  ricks  of  hay  and  some  abandoned  wagons  in  a 
field  to  our  front,  and  beyond  the  smoke  could  be 
seen  moving  columns. 

Emerging  from  the  timber  a  body  of  men  were 
seen  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,  about  half  a  mile 
distant,  and  in  front  of  a  farm  house.  It  was  at  first 
doubted  whether  these  might  not  be  a  portion  of  our 
own  force  who  had  crossed  below  the  main  ford. 
Colonel  Blair  assured  Colonel  Phelps  that  such  could 
not  be  the  case,  and  also  called  his  attention  to  the 


SKIRMISHERS    DRIVEN    IN.  203 

fact,  that  no  guidons  were  displayed  by  them.  This 
was  undoubted  evidence  of  their  hostility. 

The  charge  was  sounded,  Colonel  Phelps  heading 
his  regiment,  Colonel  Crawford  and  Major  Hunt 
moving  with  it ;  while  Colonel  Blair  and  Captain 
Hinton  galloped  to  the  right  to  bring  forward  troops 
there  forming.  The  2d  Colorado,  under  Captain 
Kiugsbury,  which  had  been  sent  forward  by  General 
Sanborn,  pressed  to  the  charge  as  fast  as  their  weary 
animals  would  move. 

Half  way  to  the  enemy's  lines  we  flushed  their 
skirmishers,  who  were  concealed  in  the  rank  grass 
beyond  a  gentle  rise.  Firing  a  hasty  volley,  they 
retreated  quickly  to  their  main  body,  which  moved 
off  by  the  left  flank  at  full  speed,  our  squadrons  in 
rapid  pursuit.  The  first  line  had  been  formed  facing 
the  west.  About  a  mile  beyond,  another  line  was 
now  formed,  facing  to  the  north,  and  strengthened  by 
three  guns — two  rifled  and  one  small  smooth-bore — 
its  right  resting  on  a  timbered  ravine,  running  from 
the  main  stream.  The  left  rested  upon  a  small  knoll 
on  the  summit  of  which  was  a  log  cabin.  Their 
artillery  opened,  but  principally  firing  solid  shot  did 
no  great  damage.  The  whistling  of  shell  was  how- 
ever by  no  means  unfrequent. 

Orderlies  were  sent  to  hurry  forward  the  artillery, 
while  directions  were  received  from  General  Sanborn 
not  to  press  a  charge  until  other  troops  had  been 
brought  forward.  Generals  Curtis  and  Pleasanton 
were  then  at  the  ford  directing  movements  there. 


204  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

Finding  that  our  guns  did  not  come  forward  as 
rapidly  as  was  hoped,  it  was  determined,  as  the  fire 
from  the  rebel  battery  was  galling  our  troops,  to 
endeavor  to  capture  them  by  a  combined  movement 
of  all  the  troops  now  deployed.  The  2d  Arkansas, 
led  by  Colonel  Paelps,  and  the  2d  Colorado  bat- 
talion, under  Captain  Kingsbury,  advanced  most 
gallantly,  the  men  cheering  lustily  as  the  charge  was 
sounded.  The  regiment  to  the  left  failed  to  support 
them  promptly.  The  small  force  in  front  still 
pressed  forward  in  spite  of  the  heavy  fire  from  the 
rebel  line,  and  though  unable  to  charge  in  conse- 
quence of  their  numbers,  they  compelled  the  foe  to 
give  way,  though  but  slowly. 

At  this  time  Major  Hunt  rode  up  to  Colonel 
Phelps,  informing  him  that  "  the  General  expected 
him  to  capture  those  guns." 

"  I  would  have  done  so  five  minutes  ago,"  was  the 
Colonel's  reply,  "  had  I  been  properly  supported." 

With  an  assurance  that  he  should  be.  Major  Hunt 
galloped  to  the  left,  and  the  8th  M.  S.  M.  swung 
into  line  and  forward  on  the  charge.  The  line,  con- 
sisting of  the  2d  Arkansas,  three  companies  of  the 
2d  Colorado,  and  the  Missouri  regiment,  charged  in 
gallant  style ;  other  troops  closed  up  in  the  rear, 
while  two  of  Thurber's  guns  opened,  having  been 
brought  up  on  the  gallop.  As  we  advanced,  the 
rebels  broke  to  the  rear — failing  to  come  to  close 
quarters — leaving  their  small  gun  on  the  field,  which 
we  took.  Owing  to  the  delay  on  our  left,  the  enemy 


ADVANCE  OF  PHILLIPS'  BEIGADE.  205 

were  enabled  to  save  their  Parrotts,  by  rapidly 
limbering  to  the  rear  and  going  off  on  the  gallop. 

Another  line  of  battle  was  seen  about  two  miles 
south  as  we  pressed  forward,  but  it  moved  off  as  we 
advanced,  after  firing  a  few  shots  from  their  rifled 
guns.  Three  roads  met  in  the  main  one  leading 
across  the  stream ;  one  to  our  right  lead  direct  to 
Mound  City;  another — the  centre,  over  which  the 
main  rebel  army  moved — was  the  direct  road  to  Fort 
Scott,  Mine  Creek  and  Osage,  some  five  and  ten 
miles  south,  and  entering  the  military  and  telegraph 
road  a  few  miles  above  Fort  Scott.  The  other,  to 
the  left,  branched  again,  one  uniting  with  the  Mine 
Creek  road,  and  the  other  following  the  State  line. 

Phillips'  Brigade  (M.  S.  M.)  moved  forward  on 
the  road  to  the  centre.  Colonel  Cloud,  was 
ordered  by  General  Curtis,  to  take  the  2d  Kansas, 
under  Major  Hopkins  and  Captain  Cosegrove,  and 
move  on  the  extreme  right.  The  Colonel  himself, 
with  a  small  detachment,  moved  on  the  centre. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Benteen,  with  the  veteran  brigade 
of  Colonel  Winslow,  moved  on  the  road  to  the  left, 
some  distance  behind  Colonel  Phillips.  Major 
Weed,  Major  Hunt,  Colonel  Crawford,  Colonel  Blair, 
Captain  Hinton,  and  other  staff  officers,  moved  to 
the  front  to  render  what  assistance  could  be  given. 
The  Colorado  Battalion  moved  on  the  centre  road. 
Considerable  delay,  and  consequent  separation  of 
troops  occurred,  owing  to  the  difficult  passage  of  the 
ford.  General  Pleasanton  pressed  forward  the 


206  ARMY    OF    TIIE    BORDER. 

troops,  sending  orders  to  Sanborn  and  McNeil. 
General  Sanborn  had  previously  halted,  and  let  his 
men  and  horses  feed. 

In  the  meanwhile  the  advance  brigades  moved 
rapidly  across  the  open  prairie.  Soon  the  timber  of 
Mine  Creek,  about  five  miles  south-east  of  Mound 
City,  came  in  sight.  As  the  gallant  Missouri  and 
Arkansas  troops  under  Colonel  Phillips  reached  the 
brow  of  a  long  acclivity  which  overlooked  the  creek 
valley  beyond,  the  enemy  were  discovered  in  great 
force  formed  in  line  of  battle  upon  the  north  side  of 
the  stream,  with  their  right  resting  upon  the  crossing 
and  left  extending  north-west  and  resting  on  the 
timber  of  the  stream.  The  open  prairie,  sweeping 
away,  afforded  the  grandest  possible  field  for  cavalry 
movements.  It  became  evident  that  here  the  battle 
was  to  be  fought.  The  rebels,  deployed  six  lines 
deep  in  the  centre,  showed  a  force  of  from  12,000  to 
15,000  men.  As  it  afterwards  appeared,  the  two 
divisions  of  Fagan  and  Marmaduke,  comprising  the 
flower  of  the  rebel  army,  were  thus  arranged  in 
battle  array  under  the  direction  of  General  Price, 
who  commanded  in  person.  Beyond  the  creek  to 
the  south  could  be  seen  a  long  train  and  accompany- 
ing troops,  extending  for  some  miles.  This  was 
Shelby's  Division  and  the  new  one  under  Tyler,  with 
the  plunder  and  prisoners  of  the  Missouri  raid. 
The  rebel  artillery,  ten  pieces,  was  stationed  on  the 
left  of  their  line,  an  error  on  the  part  of  the  rebel 
General  which  our  officers  were  not  slow  to  perceive. 


HALT   OF    COLONEL   PHILLIPS. 

If  we  succeeded  in  breaking  their  centre,  there  was 
no  possibility  of  their  withdrawing  the  guns.  From 
our  front  to  the  rebel  lines,  the  ground  formed  a 
gentle  descent.  On  the  right,  and  a  little  to  our 
front,  was  a  farm  house  and  fences.  To  our  extreme 
left  and  front  was  a  slight  swale,  the  timber  and  creek, 
then  a  rising  corn  field  with  a  log  cabin  at  the  top. 

The  brigade  of  Colonel  Phillips  had  halted  upon 
the  edge  of  the  table  land,  with  skirmishers  well 
thrown  out,  about  one  thousand  yards  from  the 
enemy.  Colonel  Benteen  was  still  some  distance  in 
the  rear.  Major  Hopkins,  with  the  2d  Kansas  and 
two  howitzers,  came  up  on  the  extreme  right.  Gen- 
eral Pleasanton  had  been  informed  of  the  position  of 
our  forces,  and  was  pressing  to  the  front  with  a 
section  of  Rodman's  guns,  and  his  escort,  accom- 
panied by  Major  Curtis,  who  had  reported  him  for 
duty. 

It  was  apparent  the  rebel  army  were  determined 
to  fight  here,  with  the  expectation  of  checking  our 
march,  and  so  enabling  them  to  move  more  leisurely 
towards  Fort  Scott.  The  whole  of  their  line  was 
not  visible,  the  right  being  behind  the  brow  of  the 
hill,  descending  into  Mine  Creek.  Their  artillery 
was  playing  with  considerable  effect  upon  the  right 
of  the  unsupported  brigade  of  Colonel  Phillips,  still 
steadily  advancing.  Majors  Weed  and  Hunt  gal- 
loped to  the  left  to  inform  Colonel  Benteen  of  the 
position  of  affairs  on  the  right,  and  desire  him  to 
press  forward  with  a  view  to  charge  before  the  rebels 


208    '  AEMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

had  time  to  do  so,  a  movement  which  it  was  evident 
they  were  about  to  execute.  The  Colonel  responded 
heartily  to  the  suggestion,  and  the  brigade,  consist- 
ing of  the  10th  Missouri  Cavalry,  Major  W.  H. 
Last ;  the  4th  Iowa  Cavalry,  Major  A.  R.  Pierce ; 
3rd  Iowa  Cavalry,  Major  B.  S.  Jones ;  and  the  4th 
Missouri  and  fan  Indiana  Cavalry  consolidated, 
under  Major  Simmonson,  moved  in  column  on  the 
gallop,  each  regiment  forming  on  the  left  of  Phillips, 
as  they  came  up. 

At  this  time  the  rebel  guns  were  firing  canister  at 
any  enemy  they  supposed  to  be  advancing  on  their 
right,  and  hidden  from  view  by  the  rise  in  front. 
This  alone  saved  Colonel  Phillips,  who,  if  known  to 
be  unsupported,  would  have  been  swept  from  the 
field  by  a  vigorous  advance.  In  the  face  of  this  fire, 
which  tore  the  ground  in  front,  and  filled  the  air 
with  hurtling  missiles,  Colonel  Benteen's  Brigade 
broke  from  regimental  columns,  forming  into  line 
to  the  right  and  left,  and  moving  steadily  forward 
till  they  reached  short  range.  The  rattle  of  mus- 
ketry, mingled  with  the  roar  of  artillery,,  the  shouts 
of  the  soldiers,  the  scream  of  the  shells,  the  crash  of 
small  arms,  the  hissing  sound  of  canister,  and  the 
cries  of  the  wounded  as  they  fell  about  us,  filled  the 
air,  forming  a  picture,  when  set  off  by  the  walls  of 
steel  before,  and  that  about  and  behind  us,  that  can 
be  easier  remembered  than  described.  It  was  evi- 
dent that  a  desperate  effort  was  preparing  in  the 
rebel  lines.  A  group  of  officers  could  be  seen  in  the 


SCENES    OF    THE    BATTLE-FIELD.  209 

centre,  evidently  of  high  rank,  wliile  others  were 
dashing  furiously  up  and  down,  and  fiercely  the  tiger 
rebel  yell  met  and  mingled  with  the  wild  hurras  of 

»/  O 

our  men.  The  long  lines  of  rebels,  with  crash  and 
fury  of  raging  battle  about  them ;  the  slender 
brigades  deployed  and  advancing  on  their  front, 
while  to  the  north,  across  the  broad  prairie,  were  to 
be  seen  the  rapidly  deploying  troops  advancing  to 
reinforce  our  front. 

These  scenes  take  longer  to  describe  than  to  enact. 
While  these  troops  were  pressing  to  our  assistance, 
deploying  to  the  right  and  left,  forming  a  second  line 
of  battle,  and  the  generals,  with  their  escort  arid 
staff  were  riding  hastily  forward,  Colonel  Benteen 
had,  without  hesitation,  dashed  on  under  a  fire  so 
terrible,  that  even  his  veteran  troops  were  for  a 
moment  staggered.  The  brigade  to  the  right  was 
showing  signs  of  distress,  when,  making  a  right  half 
wheel,  and  sending  to  Colonel  Phillips  to  move  at 
the  same  time,  away  went  Benteen,  both  brigades 
precipitating  themselves  upon  the  centre  and  left  of 
the  rebel  lines. 

The  gallant  staff  officers  of  General  Curtis;  so  soon 
as  the  charge  sounded,  rode  to  the  right  and  left 
along  the  line,  cheering  and  encouraging  the  troops, 
charging  themselves  in  the  very  thick  front  and  fore- 
most of  the  fight.  Colonels  Crawford  and  Cloud 
were  in  the  centre,  Colonel  Blair  with  Majors  Weed 
and  Hunt,  and  Sergeant  Sloonacker,  15th  Kansas, 
were  on  the  right ;  Captain  Hinton  had  moved  with 
26 


210  AKMY    OF    THE    BOIIDEK. 

the  extreme  left  of  Colonel  Benteen's  command. 
Major  Curtis,  with  the  escort  company  of  General 
Pleasanton,  and  two  of  Thurber's  guns,  which  had 
now  reached  the  field,  opened  on  the  rebel  right. 

Forward !  was  shouted  along  the  line.  Away  it 
went ;  at  first  slowly,  and  then  with  a  fierce  mo- 
mentum, dashing  and  crashing  through  the  rebel 
right  and  centre.  A  rush — a  scramble — a  confused 
vision  of  flashing  sabres  on  our  left  and  centre ;  the 
wild  trample  of  rushing  horses ;  the  frantic  shouts 
of  charging  combatants  ;  the  crash  of  small  arms— 
not  continuous  as  in  line — but  rapid  and  isolated  as 
of  individual  combat;  the  cessation  of  the  enemy's 
artillery  fire,  and  the  intermittent  fire  of  our  own 
guns,  were  the  elements  which  made  up  a  scene 
worthy  of  being  immortalized  in  the  verse  of 
Tennyson,  or  by  the  brush  of  Horace  Vernet. 

So  rapidly  had  the  centre  and  right  swept  forward, 
that  the  extreme  left,  which  from  the  nature  of  the 
ground  had  not  been  able  to  charge  simultaneously, 
and  was  now  swinging,  half-wheel  to  the  right,  with 
the  view  of  crossing  a  ravine,  clearing  the  corn  field 
on  the  south,  and  attacking  the  disordered  rebel  force 
on  the  flank  as  it  emerged  from  the  wood ; — this 
force  as  it  swept  through  the  ravine  and  into  the 
field,  was  fired  upon  by  our  own  guns.  Supposing 
these  shells  to  be  from  the  rebel  guns,  the  left  went 
thundering  through  the  field,  when  they  were  fired 
upon  by  a  line  of  skirmishers.  With  a  cheer  our 
boys  dashed  forward.  The  rebels  fled ;  a  number 


THE  OLD  WOMAN'S  BLESSING.  211 

lay  wounded,  and  over  them  went  the  line  amid 
a  volley  from  those  behind  the  fence  at  the  top 
of  the  field.  In  front  of  a  log  cabin  stood  an  old 
woman,  with  several  children  clinging  to  her  skirts, 
fearless  of  the  leaden  shower  which  ceaselessly  pat- 
tered against  the  cabin  wall ;  with  dress  disordered 
and  grey  locks  floating  in  the  wind,  the  old  lady 
shouted,  while  we  whirled  past,  "  God  bless  yon, 
boys !  God  bless  you  boys !  Hurra  for  the  Union  ! 
Hurra  for  Kansas !  Give  it  to  'em  !"  and  similar 
exclamations.  The  sight  was  inspiring.  The  bless- 
ing came  like  a  draught  of  wine,  and  with  a  wild 
shout  the  troops  cleared  the  fence,  swept  over  the 
prairie  beyond,  and  attacked  the  disordered  rebels 
as  they  emerged  from  the  timber,  capturing  a  Major 
and  a  number  of  men.  Several  shells  had  already 
fallen  in  our  midst,  when  it  became  evident  that  the 
left  was  mistaken  for  rebels,  and  it  fell  back  across 
the  prairie  to  the  supports  which  were  coming  up. 

The  firing  was  directed  by  General  Sanborn,  who 
had  mistaken  these  troops  for  the  enemy,  but  as 
soon  as  they  fell  back,  both  General  Pleasanton  and 
General  Sanborn  rode  up  and  ordered  the  fire  to 
cease.  Captain  Hinton  was  with  the  left  and  par- 
ticipated in  the  charge. 

While  this  was  going  on  upon  the  left,  the  right 
and  centre  had  completely  routed  the  rebel  force, 
causing  them  to  fall  back  in  wild  disorder  over 
Mine  Creek  and  reform  upon  the  south  side,  about  a 
mile  beyond.  Colonel  Benteen  was  in  hot  pursuit, 


212  ARMY   OF   THE   BOEDER. 

until  General  Pleasanton,  who  had  reached  the  field 
just  as  our  charge  was  being  made,  sent  an  order 
directing  that  no  further  advance  be  made  until  the 
division  could  concentrate. 

When  our  attack  was  made,  from  the  capture  of 
so  many  rebel  officers  of  high  rank  it  would  appear 
that  they  were  all  assembled  in  and  about  the  centre. 
Brigadier-General  Cabell  was  captured  by  Sergeant 
Calvary  M.  Young,  of  Company  "A,"  3rd  Iowa 
Cavalry,  and  Major-General  Marmaduke  was  cap- 
tured by  Private  James  Dunleavy,  of  Company  "D." 
Two  stands  of  colors  were  taken  by  Major  Pierce, 
4th  Iowa  Cavalry,  (who  in  the  engagement  cut  down 
eight  men  with  his  own  hands,)  besides  a  large 
number  of  prisoners  and  four  guns.  Colonel  Jeffards, 
formerly  a  Lieutenant-Colonel  in  the  famous  Stone- 
wall Brigade,  surrendered  with  a  number  of  men  to 
Colonel  Cloud.  Among  other  officers  captured  was 
Colonel  John  Waddell,  a  nephew  of  General  Frost, 
of  Camp  Jackson  notoriety.  Colonel  Crandall,  Mar- 
maduke's  Adjutant,  was  taken  near  his  chief,  as  was 
his  Medical  Director.  Brigadier-General  Sleminon, 
who  commanded  the  rear  attacked  by  our  troops  at 
the  Mounds  and  at  the  Trading  Post,  was  mortally 
wounded,  and  died  afterwards  at  Newtonia.  Briga- 
dier-General Graham  was  killed  and  left  on  the  field. 
A  large  number  of  field  officers  of  various  grades 
were  captured,  about  eight  hundred  of  the  rank  and 
file,  and  nine  guns,  which,  with  the  one  taken  at 
Marias  des  Cygnes,  made  ten.  The  wounded  left  on 


CAPTURE    OF    MARMADUKE.  213 

the  field  numbered  over  two  hundred,  while  the 
dead  was  about  the  same.  A  number  of  our  officers 
were  severely  wounded,  but  our  actual  loss  was  not 
more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  men.  The  impetu- 
osity of  the  charge,  and  its  complete  success,  accounts 
for  this  slight  loss.  Had  Colonel  Phillips'  brigade 
been  armed  with  sabres  and  carbines,  in  place  of 
long  rifles,  the  victory  would  have  been  more  com- 
plete. Yet  never  was  there  witnessed  a  more  over- 
whelming rout  than  the  field  of  this  glorious  charge 
presented.  The  field  was  won  against  12,000,  by 
two  brigades,  numbering  not  more  than  2,500. 
Major-General  Fagan  was  at  first  reported  killed,  and 
the  body  of  an  officer,  found  afterwards  to  be  that  of 
General  Graham,  mistaken  for  him.  General  Cabell 
informed  Colonel  Wheeler,  that  when  he  was  cap- 
tured, Price  himself  was  within  a  few  feet,  and  only 
escaped  by  the  fleetness  of  his  horse,  and  absence  of 
any  distinctive  dress  which  could  render  him  a  mark. 
Major-General  Marmaduke  was  captured  by  Corpo- 
ral James  Dunleavy,  of  Company  "  D,"  3rd  Iowa 
Cavalry.  The  rebel  General  was  rallying  his  men, 
Dunleavy  galloping  towards  him,  occasionally  firing. 
Marmaduke  mistook  him  for  one  of  his  own  men, 
and  started  towards  him,  reproving  him  for  firing  on 
his  friends.  Dunleavy -stopped,  waiting  coolly  till 
Marmaduke  got  within  twenty  or  thirty  rods  of  him, 
then  covering  him  with  his  revolver,  ordered  him  to 
dismount  and  surrender.  General  Marmaduke  did 
so,  and  his  horse  galloped  off.  Colonel  Blair  was 


214  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

riding  by  at  this  time,  and  Dunleavy  seeing  lie  was 
an  officer,  offered  to  him  the  prisoner.  The  Colonel 
declined  the  trouble,  when  Marmaduke  said :  "  Sir, 
you  are  an  officer  ;  I  claim  protection  at  your  hands  ; 
I  am  General  Marmaduke."  Taking  charge,  Colonel 
Blair  said  he  would  protect  him  until  delivered  to 
General  Curtis  as  a  prisoner.  Marmaduke  at  this 
seemed  much  relieved.  Dunleavy  then  said, 
"  Colonel,  remember  I  took  him  prisoner.  I  am 
James  Dunleavy,  Corporal  of  Company  "D,"  3rd 
Iowa  Cavalry."  Colonel  Blair  told  the  Corporal 
(who  was  severely  wounded  in  the  right  fore  arm, 
but  still  held  his  revolver  vigorously)  to  come  along, 
and  he  should  have  the  honor  of  being  introduced  to 
General  Curtis  as  the  captor  of  General  Marmaduke. 
Colonel  Blair  moved  to  the  rear  with  his  prisoner, 
passing  Generals  Pleasanton  and  Sanborn.  A  led 
horse  was  taken  from  a  soldier,  and  Marmaduke 
mounted,  as  he  complained  greatly  of  fatigue. 
Colonel  Blair  found  Generals  Curtis  and  Blunt,  with 
Senator  Lane,  and  other  staff  officers  at  the  house  of 
Mrs.  Reagins,  about  a  half  mile  from  the  field  of  our 
successful  charge.  The  prisoner  was  introduced,  as 
also  his  captor,  whom  the  General  found  afterwards 
to  be  a  son  of  an  old  Iowa  friend.  He  directed  the 
Corporal  to  retain  Marmaduke's  revolver.  An 
amusing  incident  occurred  at  this  time. 

When  the  rebel  line  was  forming,  Marmaduke's 
Division  was  on  the  right.  Its  commander  rode  a 
very  fine  mare,  which  he  called  u  Miss  Mary  Price.' 


"  MISS    MAKY    PRICE."  215 

After  performing  some  equestrian  feats,  and  extolling 
the  qualities  of  his  steed,  lie  asked  the  old  lady 
whose  blessing  had  saluted  us  as  we  charged  by  her 
door,  "  what  she  thought  of  Miss  Mary" — adding, 
boastingly,  of  riding  over  the  Kansas  Jayhawkers. 
After  the  battle,  the  old  lady  went  to  Mrs.  Reagin's, 
and  seeing  Marmaduke,  saluted  him  with,  "  How 
are  you,  General,  and  how 's  Miss  Mary  Price,  and 
where 's  the  Kansas  Jayhawkers  now  ?"  The  General 
answered  not.  Majors  Weed  and  Curtis,  with 
Colonel  Cloud,  were  busy  in  collecting  the  prisoners, 
scattered  all  over  the  field.  General  Curtis  placed 
them  in  charge  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  J.  Sears, 
18th  U.  S.  C.  I.,  Acting  Provost  Marshal,  detailing 
a  Missouri  Regiment  to  guard  them.  The  captured 
guns,  were  brought  up  to  Mrs.  .Reagin's  and  turned 
over  to  Colonel  Sears.  The  charge  upon  these  gunsr 
surrendered  by  Colonel  Jeffries  to  Colonel  Cloud, 
was  made  by  a  portion  of  the  10th  Missouri  Volun- 
teer Cavalry,  and  a  detachment  of  the  2d  Kansas 
Cavalry  acting  with  Colonel  Cloud.  General 
Sanborn,  who  had  now  come  up,  was  directed  to 
move  his  brigade  to  the  right  of  the  line,  and  take 
the  advance.  The  troops  on  the  skirmish  line  being 
completely  worn  out,  Colonel  Cloud  was  directed  to 
take  their  place  with  the  2d  Kansas. 

These  movements  following  the  rebel  defeat,  had 
transpired  while  Colonel  Benteen  and  Colonel 
Phillips  were  still  pressing  the  enemy  across  Mine 
Creek.  A  formidable  line  of  battle  had  been  again 


216  AKMY    OF    THE    BOEDER. 

formed  by  them  on  a  prairie  ridge  about  one  mile  to 
the  south.  This  they  soon  abandoned,  and  our  skir- 
mishers pursued  them  beyond  the  dividing  ridge  of 
Mine  Creek  and.  Little  Osage.  The  rear  of  our 
troops  (General  McNeil  and  General  Blunt)  were 
still  far  behind.  General  Pleasanton  complained  of 
the  former  as  not  showing  willingness  to  move  for- 
ward. Major  Chariot,  General  Curtis'  Adjutant, 
was  sent  to  bring  his  brigade  forward,  and  to  arrest 
General  McNeil  if  hesitation  was  evinced.  His 
brigade  being  in  advance  of  the  1st  Division,  delayed 
General  Blunt  at  the  crossing.  Some  wagons  had 
broken  down  and  obstructed  the  ford,  causing  delay. 
General  McNeil  stated  that  no  order  for  an  advance 
had  been  received  by  him.  He  came  up  on  the 
gallop  upon  receipt  of  the  order.  As  the  Major  was 
en  route  to  General  McNeil,  he  passed  Mrs.  Keagin's, 
where  our  prisoners  and  wounded  were  being  gath- 
ered, and  found  Captain  Gates  and  Major  Suess,  of 
General  Pleasanton's  staff,  disputing  with  Colonel 
Sears  for  custody  of  the  prisoners,  claiming  them 
as  "  General  Pleasanton's  prisoners."  They  were 
informed  that,  as  General  Curtis,  the  senior  officer 
present,  had  placed  them  in  charge  of  Colonel  Sears, 
they  would  be  retained  by  that  officer  till  relieved. 

Our  dead  and  wounded  were  left  on  the  field  to 
the  kindly  care  of  the  citizens ;  so  also  were  the 
rebel  wounded.  Our  movements  were  still  onward. 
Fort  Scott  lay  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy's  march. 
Stores  to  the  value  of  two  millions,  belonging  to  the 


RESULTS  OF  THE  BATTLE.  217 

Government  were  there.  Hence  the  necessity  of 
pressing  after  the  shaken,  but  not  yet  beaten, 
rebel  army. 

To  the  early  attack  on  the  Mounds,  and  the  vigor- 
ous driving  of  the  enemy  at  the  Trading  Post  Ford, 
and  in  the  valley  beyond,  is  to  be  attributed  the 
engagement  and  consequent  victory  at  Mine  Creek. 
Had  not  the  Colorado  Battalion  carried  the  Mounds, 
and  so  opened  the  ball  before  daylight,  the  import- 
ant Post  at  Fort  Scott,  and  the  whole  of  South-east 
Kansas,  would  have  fallen  a  prey  to  the  rebel  army. 


BATTLE  GROUND*  CHARIOT. 


25.     64. 


FEDERAL    a 


CHAPTER   XVII. 

ENGAGEMENTS  AT    THE    LITTLE    OS  AGE  AND  CHAELOT 

MARCH    OF    MOONLIGHT — ENGAGEMENTS     AT    MOUND 

CITY  AND   FORT  LINCOLN REBEL  CAMP  ON  DRYWOOD 

CREEK OURS    AT   FORT    SCOTT    AND   MARMATON. 

WHILE  the  prisoners  were  being  gathered  in,  the 
captured  guns  and  trophies  taken  care  of,  and  mes- 
sengers sent  in  haste  to  hurry  forward  McNeil's 
Brigade  and  the  1st  Division,  the  two  brigades  of 
Benteen  and  Phillips  which  so  gallantly  reaped  the 
harvest  now  being  secured  on  Mine  Creek,  were, 
under  orders  from  General  Pleasanton,  reforming 
their  lines  and  awaiting  the  forward  movement. 
Benteen's  veterans,  indeed,  had  pressed  onward  in 
hot  haste,  and  when  directed  to  halt  were  reforming 
for  another  charge  upon  a  line  presenting  itself 
along  a  ridge  about  a  mile  south  of  the  stream. 
This  was  evidently  intended  to  cover  the  retreat  and 
recovery  from  disorder  into  which  our  impetuous 
charge  had  thrown  the  divisions  of  Mannaduke  and 
Fagan.  As  the  veteran  2d  Kansas,  one  hundred 


DEVASTATION    AND   BUIN.  221 

and  fifty  strong,  took  the  skirmish  line  (having 
reported  to  General  Sanborn,  now  moving  his  troops 
upon  the  right  for  that  purpose),  and  moved  steadily 
forward,  this  line  melted  away,  and  when  the  ridge 
was  reached  were  seen  joining  the  main  column. 

The  scene  was  most  striking.  Seldom,  if  ever, 
has  "  the  pomp  and  circumstance  of  glorious  war " 
had  so  broad  a  field  whereon  to  display  its  attrac 
tions.  The  battle-field  with  its  hideous  concomitants 
of  death  and  suffering  was  veiled  by  the  intervening 
timber.  Beyond  the  valley,  bodies  of  troops,  dimly 
discernible,  were  pressing  forward  to  join  the  pursuit 
Thin  columns  of  smoke,  wreathing  upward  in  the 
soft  Indian  summer  haze,  told  of  the  desolation 
which  the  invader  had  wrought  behind  us.  Before 
were  rising  denser  and  fresher  the  same  black  tokens, 
and  the  van  of  their  march  was  plainly  distinguish- 
able by  ruddy  masses  of  cloud  which  told  of  burning 
prairie,  hay  ricks  and  buildings.  To  the  straining 
eyes  on  the  halted  skirmish  line  it  was  still  certain 
that  they  were  moving  direct  towards  Fort  Scott. 
Colonel  Charles  W.  Blair,  who,  accompanied  by 
Captain  Hinton,  had  moved  to  the  extreme  advance, 
scanned  the  horizon  eagerly  with  his  glass,  and  grew 
restless  at  the  delay,  which,  however,  was  necessary 
to  concentrate  and  reform  our  troops,  broken  and 
disorganized  by  the  rapid  pursuit  and  subsequent 
charge.  About  a  half  mile  to  the  rear  of  the  skir- 
mishers, a  fine  display  of  extensive  cavalry  move- 
ments were  visible.  Three  brigades  were  forming  in 


222  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

column  of  regiments.  Colonel  Benteen  on  the  left, 
Phillips  in  the  centre,  and  General  Sanborn  moving 
to  the  right.  The  formation  was  perfect,  and  the 
level  prairie  to  their  front  allowed  the  whole 
extended  line  to  move  unbroken.  In  the  front  and 
centre  rode  the  two  Generals,  Curtis  and  Pleasanton, 
with  their  respective  staffs  and  escort,  forming 
themselves. an  attractive  feature  of  the  pageant  thus 
unconsciously  exhibited  to  the  observant  eye.  Gen- 
eral Blunt  had  returned  from  Mine  Creek  to  endea- 
vor to  hurry  forward  his  own  division. 

As  the  bugles  along  the  line  blared  forth  the 
advance,  the  division  moved  in  the  direction  of  the 
Little  Osage,  near  which,  some  four  miles  distant, 
the  enemy's  main  advance  could  be  seen.  Half  way 
upon  the  prairie  fresh  smoke  was  rising  densely, 
telling  of  some  new  horror.  When  our  skirmishers 
moved  past  the  house,  the  bloody  form  of  a  young 
man,  just  shot  down,  was  to  be  seen  at  the  threshold. 
It  was  a  well-cultivated  farm.  The  extensive  ricks 
of  hay  and  corn  stalks  which  were  stacked  in  the 
barn-yard  were  burning,  while  all  the  adjoining 
prairie  was  fast  blackening  with  the  flames  which 
ran  along  its  swells.  The  house  had  been  stripped. 
The  young  man  was  a  member  of  the  Linn  county 
militia,  who  knowing  the  enemy's  march  would  be 
by  his  dwelling,  had  left  his  command  and  reached 
it,  only  in  time  to  be  murdered.  Further  to  the 
west  some  miles,  a  heavy  volume  of  smoke  could  be 
seen  rising  from  a  dense  body  of  timber,  which  was 


LONG  AND  EAPID  MARCHES.          223 

known  to  be  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Lincoln.  A 
small  column  of  mounted  men  could  be  seen  moving 
therefrom  towards  the  main  body  of  rebels.  Fur- 
ther to  the  north,  and  moving  to  the  west,  by  the 
aid  of  glasses,  could  be  distinguished  another  body 
of  cavalry,  which  it  was  believed  was  the  gallant  2d 
Brigade,  under  Colonel  Moonlight. 

As  afterwards  appeared,  Colonel  Moonlight,  with 
the  llth  Kansas  volunteers  and  Lyon  county  militia, 
under  Colonel  Mitchell,  had  reached  Mound  City 
about  one  P.  M.,  having  marched  sixty-five  miles 
without  rest  or  food,  accomplishing  the  last  thirty 
miles  in  five  hours.  Here  the  messenger  sent  by 
General  Blunt,  directing  him  to  move  on  to  Fort 
Scott  and  hold  the  place  at  all  hazards,  was  received. 
Captain  Greer  with  the  force  at  his  command  had 
already  given  a  small  body  of  rebels,  the  evening 
before,  a  taste  of  his  quality.  Towards  morning, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Samuel  A.  Drake,  with  two 
companies  of  the  17th  Kansas,  arrived.  Colonel 
Drake  was  in  command  at  Paola,  and  immediately 
on  learning  of  the  safety  of  that  important  post, 
had,  leaving  the  18th  K.  S.  M.,  Colonel  Potter  com- 
manding, moved  with  the  balance  of  his  force  to 
Mound  City,  making  a  night  march,  arriving  in  time 
to  aid  in  the  defence,  by  checking  a  force  then 
moving  up  Sugar  Creek.  As  day  broke,  scouts 
arrived  with  the  intelligence  that  the  enemy's 
advance,  eight  hundred  strong,  were  moving  direct 
towards  the  post.  Moonlight  formed  a  line  of  battle 


224  AEMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

to  the  north-east  of  town,  and  a  sharp  skirmish 
ensued,  which  resulted  in  the  rapid  withdrawal  of 
the  foe — our  cavalry  pursuing  for  two  miles  in  the 
direction  of  Price's  main  army.  Manlove,  a  member 
of  the  militia  under  Captain  Greer,  was  killed,  and 
Mr.  Williams  was  severely  wounded,  during  this  fight. 
From  the  high  prairie,  where  the  2d  Brigade  with- 
drew and  moved  towards  Fort  Scott,  they  had  an 
opportunity  to  witness  the  magnificent  charge  made 
by  Benteen  and  Phillips  at  Mine  Creek.  Moving  on 
the  Telegraph  road,  Moonlight  again  encountered 
the  enemy  at  Fort  Lincoln.  They  held  the  heavy 
timber,  were  apparently  in  force,  and  after  some 
sharp  skirmishing  the  2d  Brigade  was  withdrawn, 
its  commander  leaving  a  battalion  of  the  llth 
Kansas  to  watch  the  enemy,  while  he  moved  up  the 
stream  and  flanked  them  to  the  west,  marching 
rapidly  to  Fort  Scott,  which  he  reached  at  four 
P.  M.  The  rebels  burned  the  buildings  at  Fort 
Lincoln,  and  several  houses,  robbed  the  post-office 
and  store,  murdering  one  of  the  citizens.  At  Mound 
City,  another  brush  was  had  with  a  straggling  force. 
About  10  A.  M.,  a  body  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
advanced  within  a  half  mile  of  the  public  square. 
Captain  Greer  sent  the  militia  to  meet  them.  The 
rebels  took  possession  of  a  corn  field.  Lieutenant 
Parks  was  severely  wounded  in  this  movement. 
Colonel  Drake,  with  his  command,  then  advanced 
into  the  field,  and  succeeded  in  dislodging  the  enemy, 
who  fled,  leaving  some  wounded  and  six  prisoners  in 


THE    WOUNDED    CARED    FOE.  225 

our  hands.  Captain  Greer,  with  a  portion  of  the 
militia,  by  a  flank  movement  succeeded  in  capturing 
several.  Eighteen  prisoners  were  taken.  The 
danger  to  the  people  in  and  around  Mound  City  was 
over ;  their  work  however,  had  only  just  begun. 
Our  march  down  the  line  had  been  so  rapid,  and 
work  from  the  previous  three  day's  fighting  so  great, 
that  but  few  of  the  surgeons  were  with  the  pursuing 
troops.  Surgeons  Ashmore  and  Twiss,  of  the  llth 
and  15th  Kansas,  were  left  to  take  care  of  the 
wounded.  The  resident  practitioners,  Doctors  Ben- 
der and  Hiatt,  heartily  co-operated.  Every  suitable 
building  at  Mound  City  was  converted  into  hospitals 
for  our  own  and  the  rebel  wounded.  About  two 
hundred  rebel  dead  were  buried  by  the  citizens  on 
the  field  at  Mine  Creek.  For  days  after,  bodies 
were  found  in  the  long  grass  and  brush  fringing  the 
stream,  where,  when  wounded,  they  had  dragged 
themselves.  Sixty  wounded  rebels  were  conveyed 
to  Mound  City,  and  there  received  every  attention 
that  humanity  demanded.  A  number  of  our  own 
wounded  were  also  moved  hither,  as  afterwards 
others  were  taken  to  Fort  Scott.  The  noble  women 
of  Linn  county  labored  unremittingly  in  full  grati- 
tude for  their  rescue.  The  wanton  burning  of  the 
prairie,  in  which  the  rebels  indulged,  was  in  the  end 
mainly  injurious  to  themselves.  These  fires  swept 
the  fields  on  Mine  Creek  and  the  Osage,  burning  the 
bodies  of  their  wounded  and  charring  the  remains 


28 


226  AEMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

of    their   dead.      At   Mine   Creek,  many   of   their 
wounded  were  burned  to  death. 

The  1st  Division  found  many  of  the  charred  bodies 
as  they  passed.  In  one  instance,  a  man  was  lying  on 
his  face,  and  his  clothes  had  all  been  consumed 
except  his  pockets,  which  were  protected  by  his 
body.  In  the  pockets  were  found  some  Confederate 
scrip,  a  few  dollars  in  specie,  and  a  pass  which  the 
soldier  had  at  some  time  received  from  his  command- 
ing officer,  allowing  him  to  visit  home  for  a  week. 
This  proved  afterwards  the  means  of  recognizing  the 
dead  man.  At  Fort  Scott,  where  the  rebel  prison- 
ers were  collected,  and  a  good  deal  of  inquiry  was 
being  made  by  them  concerning  the  fate  of  various 
comrades,  the  Union  soldier  who  had  taken  this  pass 
from  the  pockets  of  the  dead  rebel,  walked  up  to 
the  line  and  inquired  if  any  of  them  knew  of  such  a 
man,  calling  the  name  found  on  the  pass.  "  Yes," 
eagerly  replied  one  of  the  rebels  coming  forward, 
"  was  he  taken  prisoner  ?"  "  Why,  what  do  you 
want  to  know  for  ?"  "  He  was  my  brother,"  was  the 
quick  response.  "Well,"  said  the  Union  soldier, 
"all  I  can  say  is,  that  you  have  burned  your  own 
brother  to  death  ;  I  found  this  in  his  pocket." 

We  left  our  troops  moving  towards  the  Little 
Osage ;  the  2d  Kansas,  under  Major  Hopkins  and 
Captain  Cosegrove,  being  still  in  the  advance. 
Colonel  Cloud  commanded  the  skirmish  line.  About 
two  miles  from  the  stream,  we  again  flushed  the 

O 

rebel  rear,  which  was  driven  rapidly  towards  the 


M°NEIL    OEDERED    TO    ADVANCE.  227 

timber.  The  movement  was  active  and  continuous, 
and  under  it  both  men  and  animals  gave  way,  many 
of  the  latter  falling  exhausted.  The  timber  swarmed 
with  rebel  skirmishers,  as  our  advance  halted  for 
rest  and  reinforcement.  In  the  meanwhile,  General 
McNeil,  under  the  stimulus  of  imperative  orders,  had 
galloped  to  the  front,  assuming  the  left  as  he  reached 
the  line,  midway  between  the  two  streams.  Report- 
ing to  General  Pleasanton,  sharp  words  passed 
between  them  ;  General  McNeil  exonerating  himself 
from  the  charge  of  intentional  delay,  by  a  declara- 
tion that  no  orders  had  been  received  by  him  prior 
to  those  borne  by  the  Assistant  Adjutant  General, 
Major  Chariot.  He  was  imperatively  directed  to 
take  the  advance,  which  he  did,  and  maintained  with 
the  utmost  alacrity. 

The  skirmish  line  was  reinforced  by  the  2d  Arkan- 
sas Cavalry  under  Colonel  Phelps,  Jun.,  which  had 
been  foremost  in  the  fray  since  sunrise.  Though  the 
woods  were  alive,  and  the  foeman's  force  unknown, 
Colonel  Phelps  rapidly  charged  across  the  bottom 
and  into  the  timber,  driving  the  rebel  skirmishers 
before  him.  In  this  movement,  he  was  supported  by 
the  2d  Kansas.  General  McNeil  now  arrived.  His 
brigade  (unsupported  by  artillery,  which  by  orders 
had  been  left  with  Colonel  Benteen's  command,  and 
did  not  report  to  McNeil  again  during  the  expedi- 
tion) moved  rapidly  down  the  stream,  crossing  at 
the  ford  some  distance  below,  accompanied  also  by 
the  Kansas  and  Arkansas  C;iv:i]ry,  under  Colonel 


228  ARMY    OF   TIDE    BORDER. 

Phelps  and  Major  Hopkins.  Just  as  the  head  of  our 
column  emerged  from  the  timber,  it  was  fired  on  by 
the  enemy's  skirmishers.  They  were  soon  dislodged. 
Again  we  pushed  forward  toward  a  cornfield  on  the 
left  of  the  road  and  beyond  a  little  stream.  Here 
the  movement  was  checked  by  a  heavy  fire  from  the 
field.  It  was  apparent  that  another  battle  had  to 
be  fought.  The  enemy  were  visible  in  great  force  at 
our  front.  Extending  on  the  south  side  of  the  Little 
Osage,  about  one  mile,  is  a  smaller  stream  emptying 
into  the  Osage  just  east  of  the  crossing.  One  half 
mile  south,  are  two  small  farms,  one  rather  south- 
west of  the  other,  nearest  to  the  timber,  with  a  small 
strip  of  prairie  between  the  fields.  Beyond  this, 
three  hundred  yards,  was  a  smaller  stream,  quite 
narrow  and  deep,  running  parallel  with  the  Osage. 
In  crossing  this,  our  horses  were  compelled  to 
swim.  Just  south  was  the  large  cornfield,  within 
which  the  enemy  was  in  force. 

Here  another  throw  was  to  be  made  in  the  game  of 
war.  McNeil  rapidly  formed  his  little  brigade  into 
column  of  companies,  dismounted  the  5th  M.  S.  M., 
ordered  it  to  take  down  the  fence,  which  was  done 
gallantly  in  the  face  of  a  galling  fire,  and  then  in 
clear,  sharp  tones,  addressed  the  brigade  as  it  was 
formed,  telling  them  "  that  it  made  no  difference 
whether  there  were  one  or  ten  thousand  men  in  that 
field,  he  wanted  them  to  ride  right  over  them." 

The  response  was  a  wild  cheer,  and  almost  before 
the  order  to  charge  was  given,  the  impatient  troops 


CONFLICTING   OF   OKDEKS.  229 

swept  through  it  like  a  tornado.  Nothing  could  have 
withstood  that  wild  rush,  and  the  enemy  melted 
away.  Beyond  the  field,  and  to  the  left,  the  enemy 
had  formed  another  strong  line  of  battle.  Behind 
this  some  distance,  and  to  the  right,  so  that  the  two 
were  en  encJwlon,  was  a  still  stronger  line.  Cather- 
wood,  who  was  in  the  advance,  was  now  beyond  the 
field,  and  as  yet  unsupported.  His  command,  the 
13th  Missouri  Cavalry,  swept  into  line  as  it  left  the 
field  of  the  charge.  General  Pleasanton  who  was 
directing  the  movements,  requested  Major  McKenny 
to  order  Catherwood  to  charge.  Between  the  two 
rebel  lines  was  a  road.  The  Major,  after  giving  the 
order,  detached  a  squadron  from  our  right,  to  see  that 
no  attempt  was  made  to  flank  Catherwood.  The  line 
in  the  latter' s  front  was  strong.  General  McNeil 
was  hurrying  forward,  when  General  Pleasanton  sent 
an  order  through  one  of  his  staff,  Major  Suess, 
directing  the  brigade  to  move  "  by  fours  right  on  the 
road,  and  not  hazard  the  charge."  Catherwood  was 
moving  forward  in  obedience  to  orders  conveyed  by 
Major  McKenny,  who  was  now  riding  towards  the 
squadron  stationed  on  the  road.  The  officer  last 
sent,  rode  up  to  the  Major,  and  complaining  that  his 
horse  was  worn  out,  asked  him  to  convey  the  order. 
McKenny  promptly  declined,  giving  as  a  reason,  that 
he  had  just  conveyed  a  different  order,  which  he 
believed  would  be  executed  successfully.  Instead  of 
delivering  the  order,  Major  Suess  rode  off  diagonally 
from  Catherwood,  and  neither  Catherwood  nor 


230  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

McNeil  received  it.  Gen.  McNeil  was  now  moving  on 
the  gallop  with  the  balance  of  his  brigade  ill  support 
of  Catherwood,  when  General  Pleasauton  rode  for- 
ward and  very  angrily  accused  McNeil  of  disobeying 
his  orders  to  move  "  by  fours  right  on  the  road." 
An  explanation  was  given  that  no  such  orders  had 
been  received  ;  but  General  Pleasanton  imperatively 
said  they  had  been,  and  ordered  McNeil  forward. 
The  latter  pushed  on  ;  the  charge  was  made  and  the 
enemy  gave  way,  slowly  falling  back  to  the  third 
line  already  mentioned.  Here  a  stubborn  resistance 
was  made.  The  line  was  formed  in  a  low  basin, 
evidently  being  used  for  a  temporary  halting  place. 
It  was  surrounded  by  a  semi-circular  swell  of  prairie, 
along  the  brow  of  which  the  rebels  were  strongly 
posted. 

For  twenty  minutes  they  held  us  at  bay  under  a 
severe  fire,  until  the  brigade,  which  had  become 
somewhat  scattered  in  these  impetuous  charges 
and  pursuit,  again  reformed,  and  in  the  line  of 
battle  charged,  driving  the  enemy  in  confusion, 
and  following  in  rapid  and  continuous  pursuit  for 
two  miles.  The  effect  of  their  charge  was  of  course 
aided  by  the  rapid  advance  and  deployment  of  the 
other  brigades  which  had  as  fast  as  possible  crossed 
the  Osage,  moved  to  the  front,  and  were  now 
getting  into  position. 

Passing  through  their  temporary  resting  place, 
every  evidence  of  the  haste  with  which  they  retreated 
was  to  be  seen.  Scattered  over  the  ground,  were 


SUCCESS    OWING    TO    MoNEIL.  231 

arms,  clothing,  blankets,  equipments,  niess  utensils 
and  food.  Their  killed  and  wounded  were  left  as 
they  fell.  Quite  a  number  of  wagons  were  found 
half  consumed.  Large  quantities  of  fixed  ammuni- 
tion, both  for  large  and  small  arms,  was  scattered  for 
miles  along  the  line  of  retreat.  Hundreds  of  broken 
down  and  wounded  animals  were  seen  on  the  prairie. 
It  now  became  evident  that  the  enemy's  flight  no 
longer  endangered  Fort  Scott,  the  direction  of  his 
inarch  being  turned  east  of  that  place  for  the  first 
time  during  the  day's  operations.  The  credit  of  the 
gallant  movements  at  the  Osage,  is  due  to  General 
McNeil  and  the  troops  under  him;  especially  for  the 
rapid  pressing  of  the  advantages  gained. 

The  brigades  of  Colonel  Benteen,  Phillips  and 
General  San  born,  followed  as  fast  as  their  jaded 
horses  would  permit,  in  support  of  McNeil,  who  con- 
tinued to  pursue  the  foe,  till  he  again  turned  in  force 
nearer  the  Marmaton  River,  a  few  miles  east  of 
Fort  Scott. 

Nothing  is  more  surprising  in  the  history  of  this 
day's  successes,  than  the  small  force  by  which  they 
were  won.  At  Mine  Creek,  not  more  than  twenty- 
five  hundred  were  engaged,  and  at  Little  Osage 
less  than  two  thousand  of  our  gallant  troopers,  drove 
a  foe  outnumbering  them  more  than  five  to  one,  hav- 
ing also  the  advantage  of  chosen  position  and  the 
shelter  of  timber  and  fences.  It  was  most  unfortun- 
ate for  the  complete  success  of  our  arms,  that  the 
delay  at  the  crossing  of  the  Marias  des  Cygnes,  the 


232  AEMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

condition  of  the  roads  and  of  their  animals,  rendered 
it  impossible  for  the  gallant  1  st  Division  to  reach  the 
front  till  after  sundown — too  late  for  assistance ;  this, 
too,  in  spite  of  the  unwearied  exertion  of  General 
Blunt  and  his  Brigade  Commanders,  who  had  each 
felt  themselves  in  a  measure  deprived  of  their  right 
to  defend  their  own  State,  by  the  result  of  the 
change  in  the  line  of  march  made  the  previous  night. 

With  General  McNeil  rode  several  of  the  volun- 
teer and  staff  officers  of  General  Curtis,  among 
whom  were  Senator  James  H.  Lane  and  Colonel 
Crawford,  now  Governor  of  Kansas.  Captain 
Hinton,  of  General  Blunt's  staff,  was  also  with  the 
advance.  Among  the  troops  under  McNeil  was  the 
veteran  7th  Kansas  Cavalry,  under  Major  Malone, 
much  of  which  had  been  originally  recruited  in 
this  section.  They,  as  always,  behaved  with  the 
utmost  spirit,  but  escaped  with  only  two  men 
wounded. 

In  the  long  and  disjointed  line  of  march  which 
our  forces  now  made  across  the  wide  prairie  dividing 
the  Osage  and  Marmaton  waters,  General  McNeil 
held  the  advance,  at  least  two  miles  ahead  of  the 
next  brigade,  which  was  Colonel  Benteen's.  Follow- 
ing were  the  brigades  of  General  Sanborn  and 
Colonel  Phillips,  with  whom  rode  the  Generals. 
Several  miles  to  the  rear  was  the  1st  Division,  while 
scattered  all  between  were  the  jaded  stragglers 
.seeking  to  keep  up  with  their  commanders.  The 
condition  of  the  artillery  was  of  the  worst  character. 


EESISTANCE    OF   THE   ENEMY.  233 

The  little  mountain  howitzers  managed  to  keep  well 
up  to  the  front,  but  Colonel  Cole's  rifled  guns  were 
dragged  wearily  far  in  the  rear  by  the  jaded  stock, 
over  roads  broken  by  ruts,  and  fetlock  deep  with 
mud. 

At  last  the  enemy  approached  the  Marmaton. 
He  was  again  compelled  to  fight.  At  this  point  it 
is  quite  a  considerable  stream,  with  wide  bottom 
prairie,  dense  timber  and  swift  rocky  ford  to  cross. 
Being  encumbered  with  his  train,  Price  turned  to 
resist  for  its  passage,  and  McNeil  it  seemed  likely, 
would  pay  dearly  for  his  temerity.  The  entire 
rebel  army  was  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  (four  lines 
deep)  about  two  miles  from  the  stream.  As  we 
afterwards  learned,  even  his  partially  armed  recruits 
being  used  to  swell  the  strength  and  add  to  its  for- 
midable appearance.  The  point  for  resistance  was 
wTell  selected.  They  formed  their  line  of  battle 
along  the  edge  of  a  swell  where  the  plateau  dipped 
to  the  river  valley.  A  slight  rise  was  of  advantage 
in  concealing  a  flank  movement  from  their  left. 
Their  main  centre  was  protected  from  charging  by  a 
strong  stone  wall,  behind  which,  and  in  rear  of  a 
fighting  division,  was  placed  their  raw  troops.  The 
right  extended  till  it  rested  on  some  trees  and  under- 
growth jutting  out  from  the  main  stream,  the  timber 
of  which  could  not  be  seen  from  our  lines.  The 
movements  and  extent  of  our  forces  were  plainly 
visible  to  them.  A  small  creek  and  farm,  called  after 
29 


234  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

the  proprietor,   gave   the  name  of  Charlott  to  this 
engagement. 

McNeil  did  not  hesitate,  but  promptly  formed 
in  line  of  battle  to  resist,  and,  if  possible,  drive  the 
foe.  His  slender  lines  looked  like  a  pigmy  in  the 
face  of  the  rebels,  whose  flanks  extended  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile  beyond  our  own.  A  brisk  fire  of 
small  arms  was  opened  on  both  sides.  General 
Lane  hastened,  at  the  request  of  McNeil,  to  hurry 
forward  reinforcements.  Generals  Curtis  and  PJea- 
santon  were  informed  by  him  of  the  position  of 
affairs  at  the  front,  and  his  apprehension  that 
McNeil  could  not  hold  the  ground  until  more  forces 
were  brought  up.  Major  McKenny  was  requested 
by  General  Pleasanton  to  order  McNeil  to  advance 
his  right,  and  assure  him  of  support.  The  order 
was  given,  and  McNeil  responded,  "  I  obey  the  order 
with  pleasure ;  it  is  the  most  joyful  news  I  have 
heard  to-day."  Colonel  Crawford  and  Captain 
Hinton  galloped  along  the  line  of  our  advancing 
•forces  with  the  view  of  hurrying  troops  and  guns  to 
his  assistance.  Two  howitzers  were  sent  to  the  front. 
Major  Suess,  of  General  Pleasanton's  staff,  brought 
up  a  couple  of  Rodman  guns,  which  were  imme- 
diately opened  upon  their  right  and  centre,  causing 
it  to  retire  hastily  after  a  few  rounds.  The 
enemy's  wings  continued  to  advance,  under  a  heavy 
fire  from  our  exposed  brigade.  The  two  howitzers 
were  opened  on  their  right  with  considerable  effect, 
finally  causing  it  to  fall  back  on  the  centre.  Our 


THE    KEBELS    RETIEE    HASTILY.  235 

right  was  still  threatened  by  a  heavy  column,  when 
the  howitzers  and  Rodman  guns  were  turned  in  that 
direction,  and  after  rapid  firing  the  movement  was 
checked.  The  lines  of  both  armies  on  our  right 
were  in  extremely  low  ground,  and  as  a  consequence 
the  shells,  from  the  howitzers  fell  at  our  own  front, 
causing  considerable  confusion.  Major  McKenny 
rode  back  to  remedy  tiiis,  when  the  guns  were 
advanced.  Colonel  Benteen's  Brigade  came  up  on  a 
trot,  and,  by  direction  of  General  McNeil,  forming  a 
second  line  of  battle,  both  advanced  towards  the 
enemy  at  a  walk,  all  exertions  being  unavailing  to 
move  the  horses  to  either  trot  or  gallop.  Before 
this  steady  movement  the  enemy  retired,  gradually 
massing  his  wings  on  their  centre,  and  then 
abandoning  the  field  in  haste,  as  the  sun  sunk 
below  the  horizon.  Our  loss  was  but  small. 
Colonel  Benteen  had  several  wounded,  among 
whom  was  the  gallant  Major  Pierce,  of  the  4th 
Veteran  Iowa  Cavalry,  who  was  shot  in  the  foot. 
Here,  then,  was  the  golden  occasion  to  once  more 
precipitate  a  ruinous  flight  upon  the  invaders.  Had 
all  of  our  forces  within  reach,  jaded  though  they 
were,  been  moved  to  the  assistance  of  McNeil  and 
Benteen  (who  of  themselves  had  borne  the  brunt  of 
this  day's  work)  until  the  enemy  were  reached  at 
the  Marniaton,  the  result  must  have  been  to  them 
complete  confusion  and  overwhelming  disaster. 

General  McNeil  moved  steadily  on  as  the  enemy 
fell  back  to  protect  the  crossing.     Again  the  rebel 


236  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER, 

lines  deployed  in  great  force  and  threatened  to  flank 
our  forces  on  the  right  and  left  with  heavy  columns. 
He  sent  a  courier  in  hot  haste  to  General  Fleasanton, 
asking  for  assistance.  This  message  arrived  while 
Pleasanton  was  discussing  the  idea  of  falling  back 
to  camp  at  the  Osage,  some  six  or  seven  miles  to  the 
rear.  Major  McKenny  urged  the  General  to  push 
forward  to  the  Marmaton,  a  much  shorter  distance 
to  our  front,  where  wood  and  water  could  be  had. 
While  discussing  this,  as  before  stated,  McNeil's 
message  arrived.  His  dangerous  position  could  be 
readily  seen,  as  the  great  array  of  the  enemy  was 
fully  visible  about  a  mile  distant.  General  Pleasan- 
ton sent  word  to  McNeil  to  hold  his  position  until 
reinforced.  At  this  time  a  courier  from  Fort  Scott 
arrived,  who  stated  that  that  post  was  distant  but  two 
and  a  half  miles.  By  General  Pleasanton's  order, 
the  head  of  the  column  was  turned  to  that  place, 
and  General  McNeil  was  left  to  the  chance  of  the 
1st  Division  reaching  him  in  time.  Fortunately  for 
McNeil  and  Benteen,  the  enemy  were  too  busy  in 
making  good  their  own  retreat  to  attack  them. 

General  Curtis  had  ridden  rapidly  forward  till 
in  sight  of  the  field  of  Charlott,  and  at  the  moment 
when  the  enemy  were  just  falling  back,  when  his 
attention  was  attracted  to  a  column  moving  off  to 
the  right,  which  he  supposed  a  flanking  movement. 
Seeing  however  that  it  passed  beyond  the  enemy's 
lines  and  still  moved  away,  leaving  the  slender  force 
at  the  front  unsupported,  he  rode  hastily  to  the  head 


ORDERS   MISUNDERSTOOD.  237 

of  the  column,  where  he  found  General  Pleasanton, 
who  informed  him  that  being  advised  by  Lieutenant 
Ehle,  3rd  Wisconsin  Cavalry,  who  with  a  couple  of 
scouts  had  just  reached  the  field  from  Fort  Scott, 
that  they  were  within  two  and  a-half  miles  of  that 
post,  he  had  determined  to  take  his  exhausted  troops 
there  for  rest  and  subsistence.  General  Curtis 
remonstrated  at  leaving  McNeil  unsupported,  and 
against  any  loss  of  distance  in  the  march,  urging 
that  the  troops  bivouac  on  the  prairies,  and  supplies 
be  sent  for.  He  also  stated  emphatically,  that  so  far 
as  the  troops  of  his  department  were  concerned,  the 
campaign  would  be  over  only  when  Price  had  sur- 
rendered, or  was  driven  across  the  Arkansas. 
General  San  born,  however,  still  continued  to  lead 
the  column  to  the  right,  and  the  exhausted  condition 
of  both  men  and  animals  was  so  great,  while  the 
demands  of  nature  for  food  and  rest  were  so  impera- 
tive, that  the  General  reluctantly  acquiesced. 

Instead  of  two  and  a-half  miles,  as  General  Plea- 
santon had  been  informed,  it  was  at  least  six  miles  to 
Fort  Scott.  Major  Curtis  and  Major  McKenny 
arrived  in  advance,  and  immediately  exerted  them- 
selves to  have  supplies  forwarded  to  Generals  Blunt 
and  'McNeil,  to  whom  orders  had  been  sent  to 
bivouac.  General  McNeil  had  already  done  so,  when 
General  Blunt  reached  the  front,  and  misunderstand- 
ing, or  not  receiving  the  order,  moved  his  Division 
to  Fort  Scott.  Meeting  the  supply  train  for  himself 
and  McNeil,  by  a  further  blunder,  the  wagon  master 


238  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

turned  back,  and  thus  the  gallant  troops  of  the  2d 
and  3rd  Brigades  were  again  left  without  food,  which 
McNeil's  did  not  obtain  till  the  next  morning. 

It  was  a  busy  night  at  Fort  Scott,  every  one 
attached  to  the  post  being  engaged  in  supplying  the 
exhausted  soldiery.  All  night  long  troops  were 
arriving,  the  prisoners  of  Mine  Creek  with  their 
escort  bringing  up  the  rear  towards  morning.  The 
citizens  exerted  themselves  to  the  utmost,  what  few 
remained  at  home.  One  lady,  Mrs.  Emrnert,  the 
wife  of  the  editor,  deserves  especial  credit  for  her 
unwearied  hospitality  which,  during  many  hours, 
never  nagged,  and  seemed  exhaustless  in  abundant 
cheer  and  pleasant  welcome  to  all. 

The  enemy  continued  to  fall  back  across  the  Mar- 
maton,  whence  their  camp  extended  to  the  Dry  wood, 
six  miles  south.  The  bold,  vigorous  and  successful 
pursuit,  the  great  disasters  of  the  days,  and  the 
bivouac  fires,  which  hazy  and  afar,  told  them  of 
their  enemy's  presence,  had  greatly  disheartened  and 
almost  utterly  demoralized  them.  Had  General 
Curtis'  plans  been  followed,  troops  bivouacked  when 
evening  fell,  supplies  been  brought  from  Fort  Scott, 
and  the  1st  Division  pushed  to  the  front  before  day- 
light to  attack  them,  their  defeat  would  have  been 
overwhelming.  No  better  evidence  of  this  could  be 
given  than  the  fact,  that  during  the  night  nearly 
four  hundred  wagons  were  burned  by  Price's  own 
orders,  with  a  large  amount  of  ordnance  and  stores 
of  all  kinds.  The  noise  of  bursting  shells,  and 


CAPTUKE    OF   AMMUNITION,    ETC.  239 

the  light  of  the  burning  train,  which  was  with  the 
advance  at  Dry  wood,  was  heard  and  seen  by  McNeil 
at  Fort  Scott.  It  was  believed  at  both  points,  that 
a  renewed  attack  had  been  made,  and  rumors  of  the 
capture  of  guns,  etc.,  floated  in  on  the  sunrise. 
Their  utter  demoralization  was  made  evident  from 
an  incident  which  occurred  at  a  camp  on  the  Little 
Dry  wood.  Not  knowing  the  cause  of  the  explosion, 
a  wild  commotion  ensued,  in  the  midst  of  which  a 
general  officer  rode  up,  exclaiming,  "  The  Yankees 
are  on  us,  boys !  the  Yankees  are  on  us !  save  your- 
selves as  best  you  can !"  That  brigade  fled  in 
utter  disorder.  At  three  in  the  morning,  the  rebels 
broke  camp  and  resumed  their  retreat.  At  least 
forty  wagons  were  left  uninjured  by  the  enemy, 
which,  with  their  contents,  were  secured  by 
McNeil  next  morning,  A  large  flock  of  sheep  were 
gathered  up,  that  also  had  been  abandoned.  Among 
the  spoils,  were  several  wagon  loads  of  small  arms 
and  ammunition,  a  twenty-four  pound  gun  carriage, 
and  a  large  quantity  of  arms,  mess  utensils,  equip- 
ments, etc.,  were  gathered  along  the  first  ten  miles 
of  their  march.  The  fords  on  the  Drywood  were 
heavily  obstructed  by  Price,  and  several  hours  were 
consumed  by  McNeil  in  removing  them.  Benteen 
with  the  4th  Brigade  moved  to  Fort  Scott,  for  sup- 
plies. McNeil  pushed  on  towards  Lamar,  camping 
at  Shanghai,  twenty-seven  miles  from  Fort  Scott, 
that  night. 


CHAPTEK    XVIII. 

FOET    SCOTT    DURING    THE   INVASION  AND  THE   BATTLES 

OF     THE      25TH MARTIAL     LAW     ABOLISHED,     AND 

MILITIA   DISBANDED PROCLAMATIONS    OF    THE    GOV- 
ERNOR. 

'* 

NEXT  to  Leavenworth,  the  post  of  Fort  Scott  is  the 
most  important  in  Kansas.  It  was  in  greater  danger 
than  any  other  point  on  the  border  during  the  inva- 
sion of  Price.  To  insure  its  safety  was  the  cause  of 
most  strenuous  exertions ;  while  its  capture  was 
evidently  one  of  Price's  main  objects  in  his  south- 
ward movement.  The  scenes  in  and  around  this 
place,  form,  therefore,  no  inconsiderable  addition  to 
the  history  of  the  campaign. 

Owing  to  the  foresight  of  Colonel  Blair,  the 
people  of  Bourbon  county  found  themselves  in  an 
organized  condition  when  it  was  evident  that  a  rebel 
army  threatened  them.  In  Fort  Scott,  four  well 
drilled  companies  of  militia  responded  to  the  call. 
Two  belonged  to  the  business  community,  one  were 
the  Quartermaster's  employees,  and  one  composed  of 


FORT    SCOTT    THREATENED.  241 

colored  men.  Companies  were  also  organized  in  the 
surrounding  townships.  On  the  10th  of  October,  a 
regiment  of  militia  encamped  about  the  post. 
Colonel  Blair,  having  turned  the  command  of  his 
sub-district  over  to  Captain  Vittum,  3rd  Wisconsin 
Cavalry,  took  with  him  a  battalion  of  militia  under 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Eves,  with  other  troops,  and 
marched  to  Hickman's  Mills.  Captain  Vittum  had 
with  him  about  two  hundred  regular  volunteers, 
belong  to  different  Kansas  regiments,  awaiting  at 
this  depot  an  opportunity  to  rejoin  their  regiments 
in  the  Department  of  Arkansas.  There  was  also  a 
small  squad  of  colored  artillerists,  recruiting  under 
First  Lieutenant  Wm.  D.  Mathews,  colored,  who  was 
placed  in  command  of  all  colored  men  called  out 
there  under  proclamation  of  martial  law. 

On  Saturday  night,  the  force  at  Fort  Scott  was 
augmented  by  the  arrival  of  several  companies  from 
Allen  county,  under  Colonel  Twiss,  and  a  battalion 
from  Woodson  county,  under  Major  Goss.  Brigadier- 
General  John  B.  Scott  arrived  and  took  command  of 
the  militia. 

The  first  alarm  occurred  on  Monday  morning, 
October  24th.  About  one  o'clock  A.  M.,  one  of  the 
siege  guns  on  Fort  Blair  gave  forth  its  warning ;  the 
drums  beat  to  arms,  and  in  a  few  moments  all  was 
in  readiness.  It  was  soon  discovered  that  no  imme- 
diate danger  threatened  Fort  Scott ;  but  the  occasion 
of  the  alarm  was  one  that  filled  many  hearts  with 
sadness,,  for  its  nearest  neighbor  had  met  the  dreaded 
30 


242  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

fate.  Marmaton  had  fallen  before  the  common 
enemy.  Soon  after  twelve  o'clock  on  the  morning 
of  October  23rd,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  rebels, 
under  the  command  of  a  Major  I.  Piercy,  attacked  that 
town.  The  only  force  to  oppose  them  was  forty 
poorly  armed  citizens.  The  rebels  approached  so 
quietly  that  our  men  had  barely  time  to  get  into 
line  when  they  were  fired  upon.  The  fire  was 
returned,  and  two  bushwhackers  wounded.  The 
others  fell  back  a  short  distance,  but  soon  returned 
to  the  attack,  driving  the  defenders  out  in  disorder. 

The  village  was  then  sacked,  and  fire  was  set  to 
the  Methodist  church,  the  stores  of  Aitken  & 
Knowles,  and  of  Cobb  &  Jones.  The  house  of  Mrs. 
Schaen,  widow  of  an  officer  of  the  10th  Kansas,  was 
also  burned,  Mrs.  S.  being  savagely  maltreated  and 
robbed.  Ten  prisoners  were  taken,  stripped  nearly 
naked,  and  shortly  afterwards  marched  a  short  dis- 
tance, and,  unarmed  and  defenceless,  were  fired  upon. 
Six  were  killed,  four  escaped  by  running  to  the 
woods  after  the  first  fire.  Those  killed  were  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Knowles,  late  of  the  2d  Kansas 
Colored  Volunteers,  Doctor  L.  M.  Shadwick,  who 
had  also  served,  D.  M.  Bowen,  Joseph  Stout,  Warren 
Hawkins  and  A.  McGrourgle. 

Upon  receipt  of  this  news,  Captain  Vittum  imme- 
diately sent  out  what  cavalry  he  had,  in  hopes  of 
intercepting  the  gang,  but  failed  to  do  so,  and 
nothing  more  was  heard  until  the  news  arrived  that 
it  had  attacked  a  train  on  Cow  Creek,  coming  north, 


ALARMING    RUMORS.  243 

burned  several  wagons,  and  robbed  a  large  number 
of  refugees  of  most  of  their  money. 

Monday  came,  and  with  it  increased  anxiety. 
Those  who  lived  in  towns  on  the  line  of  the  enemy's 
retreat,  not  knowing  but  that  the  next  hour  would 
find  their  homes  in  ashes,  and  all  they  held  dear, 
impoverished,  dead  or  dying,  can  imagine  the  feeling 
that  existed;  one  not  so  much  that  of  anxiety  for 
their  own  personal  safety,  as  for  that  of  their  help- 
less families. 

During  that  day,  innumerable  rumors — some  of 
them  of  the  wildest  character — were  in  circulation. 
The  news  had  arrived  of  the  defeat  of  the  enemy  at 
Westport,  and  of  his  retreat  down  the  line.  Tele- 
grams were  received  announcing  this  fact,  and  indi- 
cating, that  unless  our  already  wearied  troops  could 
flank  them  on  the  right,  and  turn  them  '  o  the  east, 
Fort  Scott  would  be  in  great  danger.  In  the  morn- 
ing, some  of  the  citizens  imagined  they  heard 
artillery  firing  in  the  east,  and  about  noon  it  was 
reported  that  General  A.  J.  Smith  had  attacked  the 
enemy's  advance  train  at  Pappinsville.  It  was  also 
reported  that  the  rebel  Generals,  Cooper  and  Gano, 
were  coming  up  from  the  south  with  a  large  force, 
and  marching  in  the  direction  of  Fort  Scott.  These 
were  samples  only,  and  subsequently  proved  to  be 
without  foundation. 

In  the  meantime,  the  fortifications  of  the  city 
were  greatly  strengthened.  In  addition  to  the  sub- 
stantial works  erected  by  General  Curtis  in  the 


244  AEMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

winter  of  '62-3,  long  lines  of  rifle  pits  were  dug,  tem- 
porary breastworks  of  sandbags  made  at  the  crossing 
of  the  Marmaton  and  elsewhere,  blockhouses  put  in 
repair,  and  every  possible  preparation  made  for  a 
desperate  resistance.  Night  came — the  night  before 
the  battles  which  decided  the  fate  of  South-east 
Kansas.  Its  visible  gloom  was  but  typical  of  that 
which  gathered  within  the  hearts  of  all.  Every  one 
slept  on  their  arms,  in  the  place  assigned  them. 
Sleepless  vigils  were  kept  in  homes  made  heavy  by 
the  dread  of  the  coming  morn. 

During  the  night,  dispatches  were  received  from 
General  Blunt  and  Colonel  Blair,  announcing  the 
approach  of  the  enemy,  and  bidding  us  be  watchful. 
It  had  been  confidently  expected  that  Colonel  Moon- 
light, with  his  brigade,  would  be  able  to  reach  Fort 
Scott  that  night,  but  the  following  dispatch  dispelled 
that  hope : 

"  The  enemy  encamped  six  miles  south-east  of 
Mound  City.  I  cannot  reach  you  early  in  the  morn- 
ing. THOS.  MOONLIGHT." 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell,  of  the  6th  Kansas 
Cavalry  arrived  from  Fort  Smith  that  evening,  and 
lie  being  the  ranking  officer  at  the  Post,  Captain 
Vittum  turned  the  command  over  to  him. 

Colonel  Campbell  had  been  in  command  of  a  train 
from  Fort  Smith,  which  was  attacked  by  the  guer- 
rillas who  had  already  sacked  Marmaton,  on  their 
retreat  from  that  place.  The  following  dispatch 
announces  the  result : 


EXPECTATIONS    OF   ATTACK.  245 

FORT  SCOTT,  Oct.  24. 
CAPTAIN  JOHN  WILLIAMS,  A.  A.  General: 

Eefugee's  train  from  Fort  Smith,  escorted  by  detachment  of  6th  K.  V.  C., 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell,  was  attacked  at  Cow  Creek  by  a  party 
of  Bushwhackers,  and  sixteen  men  killed,  and  part  of  the  train  burned. 

CAPTAIN  VITTUM,  Fort  Scott. 

As  soon  as  the  day  dawned,  the  house-tops  and 
different  elevations  were  crowded  with  anxious  men 
and  women,  gazing  at  the  hills  north  of  the  city, 
expecting  each  moment  to  see  the  enemy.  Bodies 
of  cavalry  could  be  seen,  and  for  a  time  it  was 
believed  the  desperate  hour  had  arrived,  and  that 
the  force  then  in  view  was  the  advance  of  the  enemy. 
Men  grasped  their  weapons  and  prepared  for  defence. 
Women  and  children  made  ready  for  departure  to  a 
place  of  safety,  in  case  the  city  was  shelled.  But 
fortunately,  the  alarm  was  groundless,  the  force  in 
view  being  the  Allen  and  Woodson  County  Cavalry, 
who  had  been  stationed  there  the  night  before. 

The  hours  passed  by,  the  day  wore  on,  noon  came, 
and  still  no  enemy ;  but  his  approach  seemed 
certain,  for  our  scouts  brought  information  that  he 
had  passed  south  from  the  Marias  des  Cygnes  that 
morning.  It  was  only  a  question  of  time,  which  was 
the  more  oppressive  from  its  uncertainty. 

Nothing  was  yet  known  of  the  victories  at  the 
Marias  des  Cygnes,  Osage  and  Mine  Creek,  and  but 
little  doubt  existed  that  our  army  had  failed  to  turn 
the  retreating  foe  from  his  line  of  march.  The 
very  fact  of  his  being  on  the  retreat,  instead  of 
being  a  guarantee  of  safety,  made  (to  those  who  recol- 
lected the  history  of  such  events)  the  fate  of  the 


246  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

city  seem  more  terrible,  unless  he  were  pressed  too 
closely,  to  make  a  stand  long  enough  to  attack  where 
any  resistance  was  made. 

It  should  have  been  stated  before  that  the  Govern- 
ment stores  had  been  sent  out  under  escort  of  the 
Quartermaster's  employees.  Small  trains,  however, 
had  been  detained,  and  the  wagons  used  to  barricade 
the  streets. 

The  hours  of  the  afternoon  wore  on  more  and 
more  terribly.  Up  to  noon  our  telegraphic  commu- 
nication had  been  kept  open.  But  it  was  then 
kept  severed,  after  the  rebels  had  sent  several 
confused  .  dispatches,  which  succeeded  only  in 
awakening  suspicion.  Most  of  the  women  and 
children  had  been  removed.  A  few  ladies,  however, 
determined  to  stay  till  the  last  moment,  in  hopes  of 
being  of  use  to  the  wounded,  as  they  were  in 
encouraging  the  defenders. 

The  sun  moved  towards  the  west.  Several  scout- 
ing parties  were  out,  one  of  whom  captured  and 
brought  into  town  three  prisoners.  About  four 
o'clock,  Colonel  Blair  arrived,  and  was  greeted  with 
the  most  earnest  demonstrations  of  esteem  and 
gladness  ;  for  not  only  had  they  confidence  in  him  as 
a  soldier,  but  the  news  he  brought  of  Price  having 
turned  east  ended  a  most  painful  suspense. 

Shortly  after,  Colonel  Moonlight  arrived  with  his 
wearied  but  indomitable  command.  Every  prepara- 
tion was  then  made  to  get  supplies  for  the  exhausted 


MARTIAL   LAW    ABOLISHED.  247 

army,  by  whose  valor  the  post  and  people  had  been 
saved. 

Soon  the  following  dispatch  was  received,  thus 
giving  the  first  authentic  intelligence  of  the  victory 
at  Mine  Creek  and  Little  Osage.  Colonel  Cloud, 
after  the  latter  engagement,  had  withdrawn  from 
the  pursuit,  and  proceeded  to  repair  the  telegraph  in 
the  vicinity  of  Fort  Lincoln  and  Mound  City. 

BATTLE-FIELD,  NEAR  MOUND  CITY,  Oct.  25. 
To  Commanding  Officer  at  Fort  Scott  : 

A  battle  and  a  victory  near  Mound  City.  We  captured  five  guns.  Gen- 
erals Marmaduke  and  Caball  captured;  also  many  prisoners.  We  are  still 
pursuing.  The  rebels  are  retreating  towards  Fort  Scott.  We  hope  to  keep 
them  from  reaching  you. 

(By  permission)  W.  F.  CLOUD, 

Colonel  &  A.  D.  C. 

« 

General  Scott,  of  the  State  militia,  had  withdrawn 
the  militia  from  the  place  previous  to  Colonel 
Moonlight's  arrival.  They  returned  after  learning 
the  news. 

As  soon  as  General  Curtis  reached  the  post, 
anxious  to  relieve  the  people  of  Kansas  from  the 
toil  and  sacrifice  they  had  borne  for  fifteen  days,  the 
following  order  was  issued  : 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OP  KANSAS,  J 
IN  THE  FIELD,  FORT  SCOTT,  October  25,  1864.  ) 
GENERAL  ORDER,  | 
No.  57.  <j 

Fifteen  days  ago,  apprehending  an  assault  upon  my  Department  by  Major- 
General  Sterling  Price,  commanding  a  force  of  20  to  30,000  rebels,  intent 
upon  a  devastation  and  plundering  of  the  State  of  Kansas,  I  deemed  it 
necessary  to  proclaim  martial  law  within  this  State,  and  in  the  country 
occupied  by  my  forces,  in  order  to  secure  a  sufficient  force,  with  the  aid  of 
the  Governor,  to  avert  disasters  and  maintain  the  honor  and  power  of  the 
Federal  Government  within  my  Department.  The  enemy  having  been  beaten 
in  several  battles,  driven  below  the  settlements  of  Kansas,  all  danger  of  the 
State  from  that  invasion,  which  seems  to  have  ended,  and  the  restrictions 
and  burthens  incident  to  martial  law  no  longer  necessary  in  my  command; 
General  Order  No.  54  is  therefore  rescinded. 

(Signed)  S.  R.  CURTIS,  Major-General. 


248  ARMY    OF    THE    BOEDER. 

The  militia  were  then  relieved.  Brigadier-General 
Fishback,  who  had  accompanied  the  4th  Brigade, 
was  directed  to  return  to  his  head-quarters  at  Paola, 
holding  his  command  in  readiness  to  repel  raids,  <fec. 
General  Da  vies  was  placed  in  temporary  command  of 
the  District  of  South  Kansas,  while  General  Blunt 
pursued  the  enemy.  Colonel  Sears  was  directed  to 
remove  the  prisoners  to  Leavenworth.  No  resume 
of  events  occurring  at  this  post  would  be  complete 
without  some  detail  of  the  operations  of  the  Quarter- 
master Depot,  under  charge  of  Captain  M.  H.  Insley, 
U.  S.  A. 

With  all  his  transportation  in  constant  use,  Capt. 
Insley  was  sorely  pressed,  and  was  often  unable  to 
meet  the  demands  made  upon  him,  constantly 
increasing  and  urgent,  for  supplies.  This  was 
especially  the  case  after  the  rebel  retreat  south  of 
Fort  Scott. 

The  danger  to  the  depot  and  supplies  were  so 
great,  that  Captain  Insley  was  directed  by  the  Com- 
manding General  to  have  everything  in  readiness  for 
evacuation,  and  to  remove  at  once  all  heavy  articles. 
This  movement  would  have  aroused  and  completed  a 
panic  among  the  citizens.  Captain  Insley,  in  the 
exercise  of  a  wise  discretion  allowed  him,  retained 
the  Government  property  till  the  last  moment,  and 
by  this  act  and  his  presence,  keep  the  citizens  quiet, 
and  hastened  on  preparations  for  defense,  inciting  all 
to  hold  out  to  the  last.  When  the  alarm  was  given 
on  the  night  of  the  24th,  it  was  quite  evident  that 


m  LIBRARY 

OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OHIUMII 


GOVERNOR  OF  KANSAS 


REMOVAL    OF   THE    STORES.  249 

necessity  for  prompt  action  existed.  Everything 
had  been  for  sometime  in  readiness.  Only  a  handful 
of  men,  less  than  eight  hundred,  were  at  the  post, 
and  it  was  determined  to  get  the  Government  prop- 
erty away  without  delay.  Through  the  night  of 
rain  and  storm,  every  one  worked  cheerfully,  and  the 
morning  saw  long  trains  wending  their  way  to  the 
North-west,  into  the  interior  of  the  State.  Two 
million  dollars  of  Government  property,  was  thus 
transported  to  a  place  of  safety.  The  train  remained 
absent  till  the  3rd  of  November. 

This  removal,  naturally  and  largely,  increased  the 
onerous  labors  imposed  upon  Captain  Insley,  after 
the  pursuit  was  resumed  by  General  Curtis.  With- 
out teams,  wagons,  or  employees,  for  nearly  all  were 
off  with  the  stores,  Captain  Insley  pressed  all  the 
citizens'  teams  that  could  be  found,  and  giving  them 
half  loads,  sent  them  after  the  rapidly  moving  army, 
under  escort  of  Lieutenant  Ehle,  3rd  Wisconsin, 
Captain  Young,  5th  Kansas,  and  others.  His 
energy  greatly  reduced  the  suffering  of  our  troops, 
though  from  the  rapidity  of  our  march,  the  insuf- 
ficiency of  transportation,  and  the  impoverished  con- 
dition of  the  country  through  which  we  passed,  it 
was  impossible  to  entirely  supply  them. 

As  we  again  take  up  the  pursuit,  the  Proclamation 
and  Order  of  the  Governor,  and  of  Major-General 
Deitzler^  are  here  inserted.  They  belong  to  this 
phase  of  the  narrative,  and  fitly  close  the  record  of 
the  militia  and  its  services  : 
31 


250  AEMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT.          ) 
Topeka,  Kansas,  Oct.  27,  1864.     ) 

No  invader's  foot  treads  the  soil  of  Kansas.  Price  and  his  robber  horde 
have  fled  ingloriously  before  our  gallant  soldiery.  I  congratulate  you.  It  is 
cause  for  congratulation  to  the  State  and  to  the  country,  for  the  defeat  of 
the  marauders  is  sweeping  and  complete. 

Commanders  of  brigades,  regiments,  battalions  and  companies,  will  march 
with  their  respective  commands  to  the  counties  to  which  their  respective 
commands  belong,  and  there  disband  them,  making  a  careful  record  of  the 
term  of  service  of  each  man,  and  see  to  it  especially  that  proper  receipts 
are  given  for  all  property  taken  or  received,  While  in  the  field,  on  on  their 
march  homeward,  so  that  each  man  may  obtain  pay  for  all  service  rendered, 
or  means  furnished,  during  the  time  the  militia  of  the  State  have  been  in 
active  service.  I  cannot,  however,  direct  this  order  to  be  issued,  without 
paying  an  earnest  tribute  to  you,  citizens  of  Kansas.  The  call  upon  the 
militia  of  the  State  was  written  on  Saturday  night,  the  8th,  and  published 
on  Monday,  the  10th  of  October.  You  answered  it  with  alacrity.  You  left 
business,  the  farm,  the  shop,  the  office,  the  pulpit,  at  a  season  of  the  year 
when  every  material  interest  called  upon  you  to  remain  at  home,  and  self- 
support  almost  demanded  it. 

Seizing  your  arms  and  securing  your  ammunition,  you  marched  to  the 
border,  and  in  less  than  three  days  presented  a  defiant  front,  full  fifteen 
thousand  strong,  to  the  rebel  foe.  You  stood  together  ready  to  hurl  him 
back.  Never  did  citizen  soldiers  show  greater  promptness,  or  spring  to  arms 
with  sterner  wiil.  The  fire  and  spirit  of  the  heroic  blazed  out  in  all  your 
conduct.  It  will  be  an  example  to  arouse  the  courageous  and  stimulate  the 
daring.  Citizen  soldiers  of  Kansas,  the  present  will  remember,  and  the 
future  cherish,  your  gallant,  your  self-sacrificing  action. 

THOS.  CARNEY,  Governor. 

PROCLAMATION. 


EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT,  ) 


Topeka,  October  27,  1864. 

By  the  combined  courage  and  energy  of  Kansas  and  of  Federal  troops, 
under  Divine  Providence,  the  State  has  been  saved  from  a  devastating  raid. 
If  the  foe  has  trod  our  soil,  it  has  been  only  as  a  routed  enemy.  Defeat  and 
disaster  have  followed  his  steps,  and  he  has  fallen  and  failed  before  the 
dashing  gallantry  and  heroic  action  of  our  brave  men.  Now,  therefore,  I, 
Thomas  Carney.  Governor  of  the  State  of  Kansas,  do  recommend,  that  Sun- 
day, the  30th  of  October,  be  observed  as  a  day  of  Thanksgiving  and  Prayer. 

Let  praise  be  given  to  Almighty  God,  because  He  has  turned  aside  the 
marauder  and  the  murderer;  because  He  has  saved  the  sacking  of  our  cities 
and  the  plundering  of  our  people;  because,  above  all,  He  has  preserved 
them  from  bloody  hands  and  a  traitorous  foe. 

Let  prayers  be  offered  to  Him  for  the  recovery  of  the  wounded,  and  the 
afflicted  of  the  martyred  dead  who  fell  nobly  doing  a  soldier's  and  a  patriot's 
duty.  Let  prayers  go  up  to  Him,  that  the  hands  of  the  evil  doers  may  be 
smitten,  and  they  no  longer  be  permitted  to  rend  a  free  people,  and  wet  this 
once  happy  land  further  with  human  blood. 

Let  all  the  people  beseech  Him  whose  breath  is  our  life,  and  whose  will  is 
our  law,  that  peace  may  soon  bless  the  Republic,  one  and  undivided,  upon 
the  benign  and  Christian  basis  of  universal  freedom. 

THOS.  CARNEY,  Governor. 


GENERAL    ORDERS.  251 

GENERAL    ORDERS. 

HEAD-QCAItTEKS    KANSAS    STATE   MlLITIA,   ) 

TOPEKA,  KANSAS,  October  29,  1864.      f 

I.  Commanders  of  regiments  and  detachments  called  into  active  service 
by  the  proclamation  of  the  Governor  and  Commauder-in-Chief,  of  the  8th  of 
October,  will  cause  to  be  made  out  and  fowarded  to  these  head-quarters, 
immediately,  a  complete  and  accurate  report,  showing  the  number  of  men 
that  turned  out  and  are  entitled  to  pay,   and  the  number  of  animals  and 
the  amount  of  transportation  actually  used  in  the  service  under  said  proc- 
lamation. 

They  will  also  muster  for  pay,  at  as  early  a  day  as  practicable,  the  militia 
thus  called  out,  making  a  separate  roll  of  such  persons,  including  negroes, 
as  are  not  liable  to  military  duty  under  the  militia  laws  of  Kansas,  but  were 
ordered  into  the  service  by  proclamation  of  Major-General  Curtis,  declaring 
martial  law.  Blank  muster  and  pay-rolls  will  be  furnished,  upon  applica- 
tion at  these  head-quarters. 

II.  All  claims  for  subsistence,  forage,   fuel  and  transportation,   will  be 
made  out  in  proper  form  and  forwarded,  as  directed  by  the  Governor,   to 
Major-General  Geo.   W.  Deitzler,   at  Lawrence.      Persons  presenting  such 
claims  will  be  required  to  furnish  the  receipt  of  the  regimental  or  battalion 
quarter-master,    by   whom  the   supplies   or  transportation    were   taken  or 
employed,  or  make  affidavit  to  the  correctness  of  the  claims,  and  that  the 
articles  were  really  taken  by  militia,  giving,  if  possible,  the  number  of  the 
regiment,  or  the  name  of  its  commander. 

III.  Claims  for  horses  lost  in  the  service,  must  be  sustained  by  the  cer- 
tificate, under  oi.th,  of  at  least  three  credible  and  disinterested  persons,  set- 
ting forth  the  value  of  the  animal  lost  in  the  service. 

IV.  Vouchers  will  be  given  for  all  claims  allowed,  and  will  be  paid  by 
the  General  Government  upon  the  approval  of  Major-General  Curtis. 

The  General  Commanding,  desires  to  tender  his  tribute  of  praise  and 
express  his  pride  to  the  citizen  soldiery  of  Kansas,  who,  at  the  first  signal  of 
alarm,  marched  to  the  scene  of  threatened  danger,  with  an  alacrity  and 
enthusiasm,  which  has  no  parallel  in  history,  leaving  homes  and  occupations 
to  the  care  of  the  women  and  cl*ildren,  the  decrepid  and  infirm,  in  the  holy 
zeal  for  the  welfare  of  the  State,  and  who  bore  themselves,  almost  without 
a  murmur,  through  the  fearful  crisis,  suffering  all  the  hardships  and  priva- 
tions incident  to  the  season,  without  tents  or  a  sufficient  supply  of  blankets, 
and  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  with  a  virtuous  gallantry,  and  who,  when 
victory  had  crowned  our  cause,  returned  quietly  to  their  homes  to  enjoy  the 
deliverance  purchased,  under  the  guidance  of  God,  by  their  self-sacrificing 
and  noble  action. 

The  conduct  of  the  people  of  Kansas  in  the  campaign  just  ended,  chal- 
lenges the  admiration  of  every  loyal  and  patriotic  mind,  and  furnishes  an 
example  which,  if  followed,  a  similar  outpouring  of  the  people  of  the  North- 
ern States,  would  certainly,  effectually  and  speedily  crush  this  wicked  rebel- 
lion, together  with  its  cause. 

While  we  mourn  the  loss  of  the  gallant  dead,  who  sleep  quietly  in  honored 
graves,  and  deeply  sympathize  with  the  wounded  and  the  bereaved,  we 
have  cause  to  congratulate  ourselves  that  our  casualties  are  so  light,  and 
also,  that  the  threatened  invasion  is  not  entirely  without  compensating 
benefits. 

It  has  developed  the  military  spirit  of  our  people,  and  inspired  full  confi- 
dence in  our  power  and  ability  to  successftdly  defend  the  State.  It  has 
given  arms  and  equipments  complete,  to  nearly  every  man  in  Kansas,  and 
to-day  we  can  safely  boast  that  we  have  a  better  militia  establishment  than 
any  State  in  the  Union.  The  enemy  is  not  ignorant  of  these  acts,  and  it  is 


252  AKMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

confidently  believed,  he  will  not  again  venture  an  attempt  to  overrun  Kansas 
It  is  gratifying  to  observe,  too,  that  large  portions  of  two  classes  of  notori- 
ous and  peace  disturbing  characters — bushwhackers,  and  the  wives  and 
families  of  rebel  officers  and  soldiers — have  accompanied  Price  to  Texas. 
The  removal  of  so  large  a  number  of  rebel  women,  whose  influence  was 
vastly  more  pernicious  than  that  of  twice  the  same  number  of  men,  will 
tend  to  lessen  the  danger  of  another  invasion,  confederate  soldiers  having  no 
longer  the  inducement  to  make  annual  visits  to  their  families  in  Missouri. 

The  expenses  incurred  by  the  campaign,  though  amounting  to  millions  in 
the  aggregate,  will  not  prove  a  heavy  burthen  on  the  State.  By  direction 
of  Major-General  Curtis — to  whose  kind  co-operation  and  well  directed 
energy  in  furnishing  arms  and  other  supplies,  without  which  our  efforts 
would  necessarily  have  been  feeble,  we  should  cheerfully  accord  a  full 
measure  of  our  triumphant  success — the  General  Government  will  assume 
the  largest  item  of  expense,  such  as  subsistence,  forage,  fuel  and  transporta- 
tion, and  it  is  more  than  probable  that  the  General  Government  will  re-im- 
burse  the  State  for  the  pay  proper  of  the  militia. 
By  order  of 

G-EO.  W.  DEITZLER, 

Major-General  K.  S.  M. 

JOHN  T.  MORTON,  A.  A.  G. 

That  the  exertions  of  General  Curtis  were  fully 
and  gratefully  appreciated  by  the  State  authorities, 
in  spite  of  the  misunderstanding  at  the  beginning, 
is  evident  from  the  following  extracts  from  the 
reports  of  various  officers.  The  State  Adjutant 

General  says : 

• 

"  The  Commanding  General  of  the  Department,  with  due  appreciation  and 
proper  feeling,  held  the  militia,  as  far  as  possible,  in  reserve,  and  in  guard- 
ing such  defensive  positions,  as  would  probably  lead  to  the  least  sacrifice  of 
life;  using  his  regular  troops  for  those  decisive  movements  in  battle  upon 
which  great  issues  depend,  and  in  which  large  fatality  may  be  expected.  In 
this  he  was  celebrated — first,  by  the  military  consideration  that  his  veteran 
and  experienced  troops  were  more  to  be  depended  upon  in  the  moment  of 
peril  than  the  militia;  and  secondly,  from  the  humane  consideration,  that 
owing  to  the  peculiar  relationship  sustained  by  the  militia  to  their  families 
and  the  State,  he  would  preserve  them  as  far  as  possible  from  the  dangers  of 
the  battle  field,  and  would  only  rush  them  into  the  deadly  conflict,  when  the 
fortunes  of  the  day  demanded  every  sacrifice.  The  militia  of  our  State  will 
duly  appreciate  the  consideration  of  the  General,  and  while  he  must  honor 
them  for  the  alacrity  with  which  they  sprang  to  his  support,  they  will  honor 
him  that  he  did  not  inconsiderately,  or  needlessly,  jeopardize  their  lives." 

General  Deitzler  thus  expresses  his  thanks  : 

"I  cannot  close  my  report  without  expressing,  in  behalf  of  the  people 
of  Kansas,  my  grateful  acknowledgements  for  the  distinguished  services 
rendere  i  in  the  campaign  against  Price's  plundering  and  marauding 
army,  by  that  noble  patriot  and  gallant  chieftain,  Major-General  S.  R.  Curtis. 


EXPKESSION   OF   THANKS.  253 

Always  at  his  post,  and  ever  watchful  of  the  interests  entrusted  to  his  care, 
he  saw  the  threatened  danger,  even  before  the  invaders  appeared  at  Pilot 
Knob,  and  was  the  first  to  sound  the  tocsin  of  alarm.  *  *  *  Turning 
a  deaf  ear  to  the  schemes  of  politicians  and  office  seekers  who  followed  the 
army,  he  manifested  a  singleness  of  purpose,  and  a  devotion  to  duty, 
rarely  witnessed. 

"To  the  knowledge  and  ripe  experience  in  military  affairs,  the  vigilance 
and  energy  of  Major-General  Curtis,  and  his  kind  co-operation  in  furnishing 
arms  and  ammunition,  and  the  necessary  supplies  to  the  militia,  Kansas  owes 
in  a  great  measure  her  preservation  from  the  devastating  hands  of  a  ruthless 
foe;  and  to  him  we  tender  our  sincere  thanks.'1 

General  James  H.  Lane,  who  served  to  the  night 
of  the  26th,  with  General  Curtis,  thus  speaks  on  the 
same  subject : 

1 '  I  cannot  close  this  report,  without  expressing  the  thanks  of  the  people 
of  Kansas  for  the  gallant  defense  made  of  our  State. 

"Devastation,  ruin  and  rapine,  threatened  our  border  towns;  an  insolent 
and  hopeful  foe  had  placed  himself  without  interruption  within  a  day's 
march  of  our  chief  city;  his  avowed  purpose  was  to  sack  and  burn  wherever 
he  touched  our  soil.  He  was  met,  checked,  beaten  back  and  finally  put  to 
rout  by  the  skill  and  energy  of  the  Commanding  General,  and  the  indomita- 
ble, persistent  and  dogged  fighting  of  our  volunteers  and  militia. 

"  It  would  be  impossible  to  mention  particular  instances  of  meritorious 
conduct,  where  all  did  so  well,  without  seeming  injustice  to  some,  and  I 
therefore  reluctantly  refrain  from  coing  so. 

"The  Statesof  the  great  North-west,  whose  troops  participated  in  this  brief 
but  important  campaign,  have  added  another  to  the  long  list  of  brilliant 
achievements  won  by  them  during  the  war. 

'"To  the  militia  of  my  own  State,  who  sprung  to  arms  with  the  alacrity 
of  other  days,  at  the  approach  of  the  foe,  I  will  be  permitted  to  tender 
special  thanks.  Going  out  without  the  hope  of  fee  or  reward,  some  have 
fallen,  others  have  been  maimed  for  life,  while  all  have  testified  their  devo- 
tion to  the  common  cause,  and  their  love  for  our  gallant  young  State.  To 
one  and  all  of  these,  let  us  be  ever  grateful." 

The  arrival  of  the  large  number  of  rebel  prisoners 
in  Fort  Scott,  excited  both  citizens  and  soldiers  to  a 
high  degree.  The  former,  especially,  were  greatly 
wrought  up  by  the  outrages  committed  in  Linn  and 
Bourbon  counties.  Especially  were  the  general 
officers  objects  of  curiosity  and  denunciation. 
Marmaduke  had  made  himself  peculiarly  infamous 
by  his  daring  raids,  and  the  atrocities  which  accom- 
panied them.  .General  Curtis  having  ordered  them 


254  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

to  Fort  Leavenworth,  where  new  prison  buildings 
had  been  erected,  gave  directions  also  to  retain  the 
General  and  field  officers  in  the  same  custody  and 
treatment  as  that  received  by  the  rank  and  file. 
Also  not  to  permit  any  violence  or  discourtesy  to  be 
offered  them. 

Marmaduke  complained  of  this  treatment.  After 
General  Curtis  resumed  the  pursuit,  General  Plea- 
santon  removed  the  principal  prisoners,  Generals 
Marmaduke  and  Cabell,  Colonel  Jeffries,  and  others, 
to  the  hotel  where  he  himself  was  staying.  This 
excited  much  feeling  and  indignation,  it  being 
charged  that  Federal  officers  were  dispossessed  of 
their  rooms  to  accommodate  the  rebel  prisoners. 
Captain  Hall,  2d  Colorado,  was  in  immediate  charge 
of  the  prisoners.  He  had  orders  from  General 
Curtis  to  march  immediately.  General  Pleasanton 
ordered  him  to  remain  in  Fort  Scott  until  he  could 
hear  from  General  Rosecrans,  reported  on  his  way 
there.  That  officer  being  senior,  his  orders  would 
supersede  those  of  General  Curtis.  The  latter,  find- 
ing General  Rosecrans  did  not  reach  the  front,  as- 
sumed command  of  General  Pleasanton' s  force. 
General  Curtis  had  directed  all  the  previous  move- 
ments, but  had  not  assumed  direct  command. 
General  Pleasanton,  taking  ground  that,  so  far  as  he 
was  concerned,  the  campaign  was  over,  necessitated 
the  formal  assumption  by  General  Curtis,  as  he 
would  have  to  take  the  responsibility.  General 
Pleasanton  sent  a  dispatch  on  the  27th,  acquiescing 


REMOVAL    OF    PEISONERS.  255 

in  this  arrangement,  informing  General  Curtis  that 
he  had  ordered  Sanborn  and  Benteen  to  move  in 
pursuit,  and  stating  that  his  health  prevented  him 
keeping  the  field,  and  a  surgeon's  certificate  to  that 
effect.  He  also  reported  that  the  prisoners  would 
be  removed  to  Fort  Leavenworth.  General  Curtis' 
motive  in  directing  this  removal  was  founded  on  a 
wish  to  effect  an  exchange  with  Price  at  an  early 
day.  Leavenworth  would  be  more  convenient  than 
St.  Louis. 

The  latter  was  then  in  communication  with  Gen- 
eral Rosecrans,  and  urged  and  obtained  an  order 
from  him  directing  himself  (Pleasanton)  to  proceed 
to  St.  Louis,  via  Warrensburg,  Mo.,  with  prisoners 
and  captured  guns. 

General  Rosecrans  had  followed  closely  in  the  rear 
of  Pleasanton,  reaching  the  neighborhood  of  Little 
Santa  Fe  the  day  of  the  battles  in  Kansas.  Here 
he  was  overtaken  by  Lieutenant  Robinson,  Chief 
Engineer  on  Department  Staff,  who,  accompanied  by 
Colonel  Ellithorpe,  editor  of  the  Leavenworth 
Conservative,  arid  an  escort,  was  pushing  forward  to 
rejoin  General  Curtis.  They  had  been  delayed  in 
gathering  the  entrenching  tools,  etc.,  used  at  Big 
Blue  and  Kansas  City.  General  Rosecrans  desired 
that  they  would  travel  with  him.  The  Engineer 
party  did  so  that  day  (the  25th).  General  Rosecrans 
had  a  cavalry  escort  of  about  one  thousand  men,  and 
camped  early  in  the  afternoon.  Next  morning  the 
march  was  not  resumed  till  seven  A.  M.,  and  the 


256  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

command  went  into  camp  after  making  twelve  miles. 
Lieutenant  Robinson,  finding  that  at  this  rate  he 
would  not  overtake  troops  following  an  enemy 
marching  sixty  miles  per  day,  left  E-osecrans'  camp 
and  pushed  forward  to  Fort  Scott,  camping  on  Mine 
Creek  that  night,  the  26th.  General  Rosecrans  was 
very  coarse  in  his  criticisms  of  General  Curtis' 
movements,  saying  in  the  hearing  of  Colonel  Elli- 
thorpe,  among  other  things,  that  "old  Curtis 
appeared  to  be  driving  Price  back  again  into 
Missouri."  This  criticism  could  have  come  only 
from  a  jealous  nature,  as  the  folly  of  allowing  a  rebel 
army  to  ravage  Kansas  was  too  plain  to  be  disputed. 
He  aJso  declared  that  his  method  of  marching  was 
the  thing ;  that  such  racing  as  Price's  could  not  be 
kept  up,  and  that  his  infantry  would  have  to  come 
up  and  finish  the  job.  He  also  designated  the 
Kansas  troops  as  Border  ruffians,  and  said  he  under- 
stood that  Jim  Lane  was  running  the  machine. 
Finding,  however,  that  the  "racing"  was  kept  up, 
General  Rosecrans  turned  back  in  disgust,  returning 
to  St.  Louis ;  on  his  way  there,  however,  withdraw- 
ing his  troops  from  the  face  of  the  enemy,  as  will  be 
seen  hereafter. 

General  A.  J.  Smith,  of  the  17th  Army  Corps, 
who  with  the  infantry  division  had  pressed  closely 
behind  Pleasanton,  reaching  Independence  the 
morning  of  the  24th,  was  by  General  Rosecrans 
directed  to  move  in  pursuit  by  way  of  Harrisonville, 
thus  throwing  him  out  of  the  direct  line  of  pursuit, 


MOVEMENT    OF    GE1STERAL    A.  J.  SMITH.  257 

and  by  moving  east  preventing  General  Smith  from 
rendering  any  service  in  the  defeat  of  Price,  a  result 
which  must  have  greatly  chagrined  that  sturdy  old 
fighter. 


NOV   4*   /S6-f 

|   NEWTON  I  A 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


PUKSUIT   FROM    FORT    SCOTT BATTLE    OF   NEWTONIA 

GENERAL    ROSECRANs'    ORDERS CONSEQUENT    ABAN- 
DONMENT   OF   THE   PURSUIT. 


GENERAL  CURTIS  left  Fort  Scott  at  an  early  hour  on 
the  morning  of  the  26th,  accompanied  by  the 
Brigade  of  Colonel  Moonlight,  taking  the  direct  road 
to  Lamar  and  Carthage. 

General  Blunt  followed  soon  after,  accompanied 
by  the  Brigades  of  Colonels  Jennison  and  Ford. 
The  1st  Division  was  reduced  in  numbers,  but 
rendered  more  effective  for  its  work  by  leaving 
behind  all  worn  out  men  and  animals.  But  four 
guns  of  the  Colorado  Battery  were  taken  ;  horses  in 
good  condition  being  had  for  that  number  and  the 
guns  of  the  9th  Wisconsin  Battery.  Captain  Dodge 
reported  all  the  men  of  his  command  fit  for  field 
duty.  The  section  of  the  Colored  Battery,  Lieuten- 
ant Minor,  was  relieved.  Captain  Insley,  A.  Q.  M., 
was  ordered  to  forward,  in  all,  50,000  rations  for 
the  troops,  and  the  same  amount  of  corn  for  the 
animals.  In  pursuance  of  this  order,  an  extensive 


260  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

foray  was  made  upon  the  farmers  and  owners  of 
teams,  who  were  incontinently  pressed  into  service 
and  sent  with  the  supplies. 

General  McNeil,  as  before  stated,  had  followed 
close  upon  the  track  of  the  retreating  foe.  He 
crossed  at  Adamson's  Ford  of  the  Drywood,  eight 
miles  east  of  Fort  Scott.  His  progress  was  here 
delayed  several  hours  by  the  obstructions  made  by  the 
enemy.  The  demoralization  of  the  enemy  was  most 
plainly  visible,  from  the  ruined  and  abandoned 
material  everywhere  scattered  around.  The  ex- 
hausted troops  of  General  McNeil,  who  had  then 
been  without  supplies  for  three  days,  marched  that 
day  twenty-seven  miles,  bivouacking  at  Shanghai, 
where  General  Curtis  camped.  Arriving  there  at 
nine  P.  M.,  their  exhaustion  was  so  complete  and 
utter,  that  much  excitement  was  manifested  when  it 
was  found  that  the  general  subsistence  train  had  not 
arrived.  Major  Hunt,  of  the  general  staff,  finding 
that  a  train  belonging  to  head-quarters  had  arrived 
in  the  night,  took  upon  himself  the  responsibility  of 
issuing  these  supplies  to  the  famished  troops. 

The  rebel  trail  was  struck  at  this  point.  The 
troops  now  assembled,  and  in  direct  pursuit,  were  the 
Division  of  General  Blunt,  consisting  of  the  Brigades 
of  Colonels  Jennison,  Ford  and  Moonlight,  and  the 
Brigade  of  General  McNeil.  Colonel  Blair's  militia 
had  been  relieved  by  the  order  abolishing  martial 
law,  and  he  resumed  the  command  of  his  post. 
General  Lane,  Colonel  Crawford,  Colonel  Cloud, 


RELEASE    OF   PEISOTCEES    DEMANDED.  261 

Colonel  Ritchie,  with  other  members  of  the  Volun- 
teer Staff,  were  relieved  here  and  returned  to  Kansas 
to  resume  the  active  political  canvass,  which  the  call 
"  To  arms  "  had  suspended. 

The  Brigade  of  Colonel  Benteen  had  moved  to 
Fort  Scott,  and,  with  that  of  General  Sanborn, 
resumed  the  pursuit  on  the  27th.  The  latter  moved 
direct  towards  Newtonia ;  Colonel  Benteen  on  the 
Neosho,  or  Line  road. 

Nothing  of  special  importance  occurred  on  the 
27th,  except  increasing  evidence  of  the  hasty  retreat 
of  the  rebels.  We  marched  from  Shanghai  to  Coon 
Creek,  where  the  command  halted  for  several  hours, 
then  made  a  night  march  to  Carthage,  marching  this 
day  forty  miles. 

Escaped  prisoners  came  into  our  lines  during  the 
day,  and  reported  that  the  Kansas  militia  and 
others  were  being  marched  without  proper  food  and 
treatment,  so  that  many  were  almost  demented  from 
famine,  and  liable  at  any  moment  to  fall  from  utter 
exhaustion.  This  fact,  and  reported  cases  of  cruelty, 
determined  General  Curtis  to  send  a  flag  of  truce  to 
the  rebel  commander,  demanding  a  release  of  all 
prisoners,  on  the  ground  that  his  march  prevented 
that  humane  treatment  and  care  of  them  required  by 
the  laws  of  war.  Major  McKenny  was  ordered  with 
an  escort  on  this  duty.  From  the  condition  of  the 
enemy,  as  reported  by  those  captured  on  the  road 
and  their  escaped  prisoners,  it  was  believed  that 
Price  might  be  induced  to  surrender. 


262  AKMY    OF    THE    BORDEE. 

Carthage  has  become  a  name  famous  in  Missouri. 
Among  the  first  victories  of  the  war,  was  that  gained 
here  by  Sigel.  Other  encounters  have  lent  their 
interest  to  this  point.  The  village,  formerly  hand- 
some and  well  built,  is  now  but  a  mass  of  charred 
ruins  ;  some  few  remaining  buildings  having  been 
fired  by  the  enemy  the  previous  day.  Quite  a  num- 
ber of  their  sick  and  wounded  were  left  here,  and  at 
every  house  between  it  and  Newtonia,  one  or  more 
were  found  abandoned  by  their  comrades.  Instances 
of  barbarous  cruelty  were  not  unfrequent.  After 
leaving  Carthage,  among  the  first  objects  that  met 
the  eye,  was  the  form  of  a  negro,  with  his  skull  half 
blown  off,  evidently  by  a  gun  placed  so  near  as  to 
singe  the  hair  in  the  discharge.  It  was  acts  such  as 
these,  as  well  as  charges  of  murdering  their  comrades 
after  being  wounded,  that  induced  the  hanging  of  a 
couple  of  wounded  rebels  found  in  a  house  a  few 
miles  from  Carthage,  where  the  advanced  brigade 
(Colonel  Jennison's)  had  halted  for  camp.  The  act 
was  cowardly  and  dastardly,  whoever  was  guilty 
thereof.  Yet  with  rude  men,  whose  passions  were 
aroused  by  such  sights  and  acts,  some  palliation  may 
be  offered.  For  the  officers  who  encouraged  it,  none 
can  be  given.  This  act,  and  others,  were  afterwards 
made  the  subject  of  investigation.  As  we  pro- 
ceeded, the  poverty  and  even  destitution  of  the 
inhabitants  became  daily  more  evident. 

General  Blunt' s  Division  held  the  advance.  The 
advance  guard  was  composed  of  the  16th  Kansas, 


WITHDRAWAL  OF  FLAG  OF  TRUCE.       263 

under  Major  Ketner.  Major  McKenny,  with  the 
flag  of  truce  party,  after  a  ride  of  some  ten  or  twelve 
miles,  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy's  rear.  This  was 
five  miles  from  Gran  by,  famous  as  the  centre  of  the 
South-west  Missouri  Lead  mines. 

A  courier  reached  the  front  at  this  time,  with 
orders  from  General  Blunt  to  take  down  the  flag, 
which  was  done.  Major  McKenny  with  his  escort, 
in  conjunction  with  Companies  "  G,"  Captain  Hall, 
"  A"  and  "  B,"  Captains  Ames  and  Wright,  moved 
forward  rapidly,  Major  Ketner  in  command.  The 
enemy  appeared  to  be  about  two  hundred  strong, 
and  were  strongly  posted  on  a  hill  and  near  a  small 
belt  of  timber.  Skirmishers  were  thrown  forward 
to  develop  the  enemy's  strength  and  intentions. 
They  immediately  fell  back,  and  were  briskly  pur- 
sued, until  beyond  the  town  of  Granby,  when  Major 
Ketner  halted  till  the  arrival  of  Colonel  Ford,  with 
the  balance  of  brigade.  This,  and  the  brigade  of 
Jennison  (then  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Hoyt)  were  all  the  troops  in  advance. 
Colonel  Moonlight  had  obtained  permission  to  feed 
at  a  field  near  the  line  of  march.  Subsequently, 
General  McNeil  halted  and  fed  his  brigade,  by  direc- 
tion of  General  Curtis,  who  believing  at  first  the 
whole  division  was  halted,  countenanced  the  delay. 
General  Sanborn  came  up  while  these  troops  were 
halted,  and  by  direction  of  General  Curtis,  pushed 
forward  on  the  trot  to  the  assistance  of  General 
Blunt 


264  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

To  return  to  the  movements  in  front.  At  Granby 
we  learned  that  the  entire  rebel  army  was  then  at 
Newtonia,  a  few  miles  to  the  south.  General  Price 
had  left  this  village  only  a  short  time  before  our 
advance  entered.  The  women  and  children  reported 
him  as  defiant,  leaving  a  message,  that  we  could  have 
all  the  fighting  we  wanted  at  Newtonia. 

As  this  was  the  last  point  on  the  line  of  retreat 
where  grain  could  be  obtained,  it  was  evident  that 
the  rebel  commander  had  determined  to  make  a  stand 
here  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  supplies  and  rest- 
ing his  exhausted  stock.  He  still  had  a  considerable 
army,  over  20,000  strong,  though  evidence  of  deple- 
tion was  quite  strong  in  our  rear.  Numerous  trails 
in  the  direction  of  Cow  Creek  and  Spring  River, 
showed  that  guerrillas  were  falling  off  and  seeking 
their  haunts. 

With  the  ready  instinct  of  a  genuine  fighter, 
General  Blunt  determined  to  push  forward  with  the 
small  force  at  his  disposal,  and  engage  the  enemy, 
trusting  to  the  arrival  of  other  troops  to  complete 
the  rout  which  he  predetermined  upon.  The  little 
column,  less  than  a  thousand  strong,  with  McLain's 
four  guns  and  Patterson's  mountain  howitzers,  was 
moved  forward  at  the  trot. 

The  road  was  hilly,  and  bordered  by  scrub  oaks 
and  undergrowth.  At  last  we  reached  the  brow  of 
a  precipitous  bluff,  where  the  road  dips  into  the 
extensive  plain,  on  which  the  town  of  Newtonia  is 
situated.  This  plain  or  valley,  is  almost  enclosed. 


DESCENT    INTO    THE    VALLEY.  265 

South,  the  land  rises  abruptly,  as  in  the  direction  we 
were  moving.  West,  the  road  to  Neosho  winds 
along  the  foot  of  the  Ozark  Spurs.  In  the  eastern 
portion  of  the  valley  is  the  town  of  Newtonia,  whose 
streets  we  could  see  filled  with  men.  The  smoke 
rising  from  the  steam,  flouring  mill  told  that  the 
enemy  were  at  work.  South  and  west  of  the  village 
could  be  seen  extensive  camps  and  trains,  at  a  dis- 
tance of  from  two  to  three  miles, 

The  guns  of  the  Colorado  Battery  were  brought 
to  the  front,  placed  in  position  on  the  brow  of  the 
bluff,  and  opened  on  the  enemy,  who  could  now  be 
seen  formed  in  line  of  battle  in  the  open  valley 
directly  west  of  the  town,  and  of  a  large  corn-field 
enclosed  by  a  stone  wall. 

The  16th  Kansas  and  2d  Colorado,  in  all  less  than 
six  hundred  men,  were  formed  in  line  of  battle,  and 
at  a  gallop  descended  into  the  valley,  moving  on  the 
enemy  with  unwavering  front,  General  Blunt  with 
his  staff  and  small  escort  taking  the  lead.  Major 
Chariot,  Assistant  Adjutant  General  of  the  army, 
reported  for  duty  on  the  field,  and  did  gallant  and 
efficient  service  as  Aide. 

As  the  slender  line  plunged  into  the  valley,  the 
1st  Brigade,  under  Colonel  Hoyt,  came  up  and 
formed  in  support  of  the  battery,  wrhich  continued 
to  fire  with  good  effect  upon  the  rebel  lines.  When 
we  first  moved,  the  enemy  appeared  in  small  force  at 
our  front,  but  as  our  little  force  deployed,  the  16th 
Kansas  advancing  as  skirmishers,  it  became  very 
33 


266  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

evident  that  we  were  in  for  a  struggle  with  the 
entire  fighting  strength  of  the  rebel  army. 

General  Blunt,  revolver  in  hand,  with  the  mem- 
bers of  his  personal  staff  and  volunteer  aides, 
animated  the  men  with  his  dauntless  courage. 
Eiding  to  the  very  front  of  our  skirmish  line,  now 
briskly  engaged,  he  personally  superintended  the 
movements.  Sergeant  Patterson,  with  four  howit- 
zers, was  placed  on  our  extreme  right,  in  advance, 
and  did  most  excellent  service,  pouring  canister  into 
a  heavy  flanking  column,  with  which  the  rebel  com- 
mander was  seeking  to  turn  our  right.  The  engage- 
ment became  general  and  severe.  Our  men  had  the 
advantage,  though  the  disparity  of  numbers  was  so 
great,  in  superior  arms.  Our  breech-loaders,  with 
the  perfect  coolness  of  men  and  officers,  for  a  time 
fully  compensated  the  other  deficiency.  The  only 
purpose  now  was  to  hold  the  tide  of  battle  at  its  full 
until  the  balance  of  the  Division  and  McNeil  should 
arrive.  General  Blunt  had  expected  when  his 
advance  was  made  to  be  quickly  supported  by 
McNeil,  who  was  supposed  to  be  close  in  his  rear. 

The  battery  left  on  the  bluff  had  maintained  a 
rapid  fire  until  our  line  was  endangered.  Captain 
McLain  then  reported  to  Colonel  Hoyt,  who,  without 
waiting  for  orders,  moved  to  the  support  of  Ford's 
Brigade.  The  effective  strength  of  both  brigades 
had  been  greatly  reduced  by  the  rapidity  of  the 
movement  after  the  enemy.  One-third  of  the  force 


COUBAGE  OF  GENERAL  BLUNT.         267 

were  unable  to  keep  up,  and  came  straggling  to  the 
field  for  the  next  hour  or  more. 

The  1st  Brigade  "formed  on  right  of  Colonel  Ford, 
with  the  battery  in  the  centre.  The  execution  of  the 
Parrotts  was  here  quite  indifferent,  overshooting  as 
they  did,  the  force  with  which  we  were  engaged. 
Much  damage  was  however  done  the  rebels  scattered 
through  the  timber  to  the  south. 

From  the  first  moment  of  our  appearance  on  the 
bluff,  the  enemy  commenced  hasty  preparations  for 
leaving.  General  Shelby,  who  was  in  command  on 
the  field,  seeing  very  clearly  that  the  rapidity  of  the 
pursuit  had  scattered  and  weakened  our  force, 
believed  that  he  could  give  us  a  severe  check,  raise 
the  spirits  of  the  dejected  army,  and  secure  a  safe 
and  uninterrupted  retreat.  But,  great  as  were  the 
odds  in  his  favor,  he  reckoned  without  his  host.  The 
personal  courage  of  the  Union  commander  on  this 
day  was  equivalent  to  a  whole  brigade.  General 
Blunt  never  faltered  or  doubted.  Upon  this  very 
field  had  he  won  his  first  laurels  as  a  General,  and 
here  he  was  determined  they  should  be  renewed. 
His  example  was  contagious.  That  little  line  of 
nine  hundred  men  met  and  beat  back  every  attempt 
to  defeat  it  made  by  the  rebel  force  of  eight  or  ten 
thousand  now  concentrated  at  its  front.  Men  and 
horses  fell  thick  and  fast.  Still  the  deadly  storm 
continued.  The  rebels  had  early  opened  a  well 
directed  fire  from  a  couple  of  rifled  guns  on  their 
left,  and  replied  to  our  plunging  howitzer  fire,  by  one 


268  ARMY    OF   THE    BOKDEE. 

almost  as  effective.  The  integrity  of  our  line  was  as 
much  insured  by  the  skill  and  energy  of  Sergeant 
Patterson  and  his  light  artillery,  as  by  the  cool 
audacity  of  all  on  the  field. 

The  afternoon  waned ;  the  sun  sunk  towards  the 
west ;  no  assistance  arrived.  Our  first  line  of  battle 
had  been  formed  beyond  and  to  the  west  of  the 
northern  portion  of  the  town  and  corn-field  before 
mentioned.  The  flanking  movement  on  our  right  had 
been  checked  by  the  heavy  fire  from  the  howitzers 
of  Colonel  Hoyt's  command.  It  now  became  certain 
that  we  were  in  imminent  danger  of  being  flanked 
by  columns  through  the  corn-field  and  town,  when 
General  Blunt  sent  orders  to  Captain  McLain  to  fall 
back  about  three  hundred  yards,  to  a  position  near 
some  lone  trees,  whence  opening  on  the  rebel  right, 
he  was  to  cover  the  falling  back  of  our  force,  and 
the  formation  of  a  second  line  of  battle.  This  move- 
ment was  finally  accomplished,  and  the  flanking 
•operations  of  the  rebels  checked.  It  was  not  done 
however,  without  some  confusion  and  loss.  Captain 
McLain  moving  his  guns  at  a  gallop  to  the  position 
assigned,  came  nearly  creating  a  panic  in  a  battalion 
of  the  15th,  at  the  time  of  falling  back  in  pursuance 
of  orders.  For  the  first  time  in  the  campaign,  a  line 
of  stragglers  could  be  seen  making  their  way 
towards  the  rear.  Major  Chariot,  Colonel  Burns, 
Captain  Hinton,  and  Captain  Tough,  Chief  Scout, 
exerted  themselves  efficiently  to  stay  this  movement. 
Most  of  those  who  retired  were  wounded,  and  many 


FAILURE    OF   EEBELS    TO    CHARGE.  269 

of  these  returned  to  the  field.  The  formidable  array 
at  the  front,  and  the  failure  of  support  from  the 
brigades  behind,  might  well  have  made  the  most 
dauntless  quail. 

In  the  ranks  of  the  enemy,  the  utmost  exertions 
were  made  by  the  leading  officers,  to  bring  their 
men  to  a  charge.  So  overwhelming  was  their  force, 
that  such  an  event  must  have  produced  disaster  to 
us.  Among  the  most  conspicuous  in  these  efforts, 
was  an  officer  of  splendid  proportions,  finely  mounted 
on  a  white  horse,  who,  bareheaded,  and  sabre  in 
hand,  rode  furiously  up  and  down  the  rebel  lines, 
cheering  on  the  men  and  exposing  himself  heedlessly 
to  the  utmost  peril  of  the  strife.  We  afterwards 
learned  this  was  Lieutenant-Colonel  Reefe,  of 
Fayetteville,  commanding  Munroe's  Arkansas  Regi- 
ment. At  last  he  succeeded  in  shaming  his  men 
into  an  effort.  As  the  2d  Colorado  was  slowly 
moving  back  to  the  second  position,  whence  McLain 
was  now  belching  forth  his  thunders,  the  quick  eye 
of  Captain  Green  detected  a  suspicious  formation 
and  movements.  Without  waiting  for  orders,  he 
brought  two  companies  by  "  fours  right  about,"  and 
made  a  counter-charge,  before  which  the  rebels  flew 
precipitately,  in  spite  of  the  orders  and  denuncia- 
tions of  their  commanders.  The  exploits  performed 
by  our  troops  at  preceding  engagements,  had  lent  an 
wholesome  dread  of  their  prowess.  Colonel  Reefe 
received  many  complimentary  volleys  from  our  line, 
but  seemed  to  bear  a  charmed  life. 


270  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

The  rebel  fire  slackened  somewhat,  as  we  became 
well  established  in  our  second  position.  We  had  now 
been  on  the  field — holding  it  with  but  a  handful  of 
men,  yet  defiant  and  confident — for  over  two  hours. 
The  sunset's  crimson  tints  were  lighting  the  western 
horizon ;  the  evening  damps  began  to  chill  the  com- 
batants. The  enemy,  it  was  evident,  were  preparing 
for  another  attempt  at  flanking  our  left.  In  this 
event  General  Blunt  determined  to  retire  to  the 
bluff,  whence  he  knew  the  enemy  could  not  drive 
him,  and  there  await  reinforcements. 

At  this  juncture,  General  Sanborn,  in  advance  of 
his  command,  was  met  at  the  foot  of  the  bluff,  by 
Captain  Hinton,  General  Blunt' s  Aid,  and  hastily 
informed  of  the  position  of  affairs.  It  was  suggested 
to  General  Sanborn  to  bring  his  brigade  in  upon  our 
left,  and  resist  the  movement  through  the  corn-field. 
The  General  immediately  returned  to  execute  this 
movement.  The  information  was  conveyed  to 
General  Blunt.  It  was  received  by  the  troops  at  the 
front  with  enthusiastic  cheers.  At  this  time,  one 
half  of  the  line  was  out  of  carbine  ammunition,  the 
firing  had  been  so  rapid  and  exhaustive.  The  how- 
itzers were  yet  well  out  to  the  front.  Captain 
McLain  had  retired  with  his  guns  to  the  foot  of  the 
bluff,  a  movement  made  without  orders,  and  as 
alleged  by  the  Captain,  in  consequence  of  the  utter 
exhaustion  of  men  and  horses. 

General  Sanborn  now  moved  down  the  bluff  and 
into  the  valley  on  the  gallop  ;  the  6th  M.  S.  M.  and 


GENERAL    SANBORN' S    REPORT.  271 

the  2d  Arkansas  Cavalry,  Colonel  Phelps,  jun.,  being 
in  the  advance.  As  they  neared  the  field  through 
which  the  enemy  were  moving,  these  regiments 
dismounted,  formed  line  of  battle,  driving  the  rebels 
through  the  field.  A  section  of  Rodman  guns, 
under  Lieutenant  Montgomery,  was  opened  on  the 
rebel  centre  from  our  left.  General  Blunt's  force 
again  moved  forward  on  a  line  with  Sanborn's.  A 
few  volleys  were  fired,  and  then  some  scattering 
shots  terminated  the  hard  fought  battle  of  Newtonia, 
the  enemy  abandoning  the  field. 

While  General  Sanborn  was  moving  into  position, 
General  Curtis  with  his  staff  and  escort  arrived. 
Finding  that  Blunt  had  engaged  the  enemy,  the 
commanding  General  pushed  on  with  Sanborn  to  his 
assistance.  The  latter  deserves  great  credit  for  the 
promptness  of  his  movement,  and  celerity  of  his 
march  from  Fort  Scott.  In  his  published  report, 
General  Sanborn  says : 

"  I  marched  sixty-two  (62)  miles  that  day,  keeping  the  artillery  and  teams 
along,  and  reached  Newtnnia  on  the  28th,  about  four  P.  M.,  having  marched 
one  hundred  and  four  miles,  with  artillery  and  train,  in  thirty-six  hours. 

"I  found  General  Blunt  heavily  engaged  with  the  enemy,  his  line  slowly 
receding,  and  the  enemy's  line  extending  much  beyond  his  on  both  Hanks, 
advancing  rapidly  upon  the  right  and  left. 

"General  Blunt  directed  me  to  form  upon  his  left,  and,  if  possible,  to 
turn  the  enemy's  right. 

"The  horses  being  exhausted,  and  the  field  intersected  with  stones,  walls 
and  other  obstacles,  I  was  induced  to  dismount  my  command,  and  the  regi- 
ments were  ordered  to  advance  as  fast  as  they  could  dismount  and  form. 
The  6th  Cavalry,  M.  S.  M.,  was  the  first  to  meet  the  advancing  force  of  the 
enemy.  This  regiment  advanced  most  gallantly,  and  had  fired  two  or  three 
volleys  in  rapid  succession,  when  a  triumphant  cheer  from  the  line  announced 
that  the  enemy  had  turned  and  was  falling  back. 

It  is  impossible  to  record  all  the  incidents  of  this 
day.  The  vigorous  attack  with  a  handful  of  men 


272  AEMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

by  General  Blunt,  is  almost  unparalleled  for  audacity 
during  the  war ;  not  more  so  than  the  severe  punish- 
ment given  to  the  enemy,  and  the  tenacity  with 
which  our  position  was  held,  in  spite  of  failure  of 
supports,  and  the  large  force  of  the  enemy  against 
which  we  were  pitted.  The  results  of  the  conflict 
were  most  disastrous  to  them,  much  more  so  than  to 
us,  though  our  loss  was  not  inconsiderable.  Accord- 
ing to  reports,  our  loss  was  as  follows :  15th  Kansas, 
ten  killed,  twenty-nine  wounded  and  one  missing ; 
16th  Kansas,  two  killed  and  thirteen  wounded;  3rd 
Wisconsin  (Lieutenant  Pond  commanding)  eleven 
wounded;  2d  Colorado  Battery,  one  killed,  five 
wounded ;  in  all  ninety-five  wounded,  eighteen  killed 
and  one  missing ;  total,  one  hundred  and  fourteen ;  not 
more  than  twenty  were  seriously  wounded.  About 
one  hundred  horses  were  killed  and  wounded. 
Captain  Moses,  2d  Colorado,  was  wounded  twice. 
The  enemy  lost  two  hundred  and  seventy-five 
wounded,  thirty-five  seriously.  Two  colonels  were 
killed.  They  also  buried  General  Slemmons,  who 
was  wounded  on  Mine  Creek,  three  days  previous. 

In  the  first  onset,  16th  Kansas,  Major  Ketner  com- 
manding, drove  the  enemy  for  some  distance.  He  had 
two  horses  shot  under  him.  Captain  Tough  had  a 
narrow  escape,  a  ball  passing  through  the  rim  of  his 
felt  hat.  Captain  Hinton  was  partially  stunned  by 
the  explosion  of  a  shell  within  a  few  feet  of  him. 
Colonel  Burris,  Volunteer  Aide,  deserves  the  greatest 
credit  for  coolness  and  usefulness.  Next  to  General 


MUKDER    OF    CHRISTENSON. 

Blunt,  in  perfect  and  audacious  courage,  comes 
Colonel  Ford,  of  the  2d  Colorado.  The  regiment 
commanded  by  him  were  model  soldiers  throughout 
the  campaign,  and  won  the  highest  encomiums.  Two 
companies  became  famous  on  account  of  their  gray 
horses.  Everywhere  in  front  they  were  to  the  rebels 
as  is  Death  on  the  pale  horse  to  the  wicked. 

Newtonia  was  garrisoned  by  a  small  battalion  of 
enrolled  militia,  under  Major  Johnson,  who  retired 
on  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  Moving  towards 
Mount  Vernon,  he  encountered  about  four  hundred 
rebels,  who  were  out  foraging.  A  skirmish  ensued, 
in  which  the  rebels  were  defeated.  Lieutenant 
Christenson,  a  member  of  the  militia,  residing  in 
Newtonia,  was  taken  prisoner,  and  in  the  presence 
of  his  wife  and  mother  was  inhumanly  butchered. 
He  was  a  German,  but  lately  married,  and  had  been 
for  a  long  time  a  scourge  to  the  bushwhackers  of  this 
vicinity.  His  body  was  recovered  next  morning 
from  the  woods,  where  it  had  been  thrown,  brutally 
mutilated. 

Colonel  Jennison,  in  his  published  report  of  the 
campaign,  says  of  Newtonia : 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  28th,  the  march  was  resumed,  the  brigade  being 
then  under  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hoyt,  passing  the  Gran  by  lead 
mines,  Newton  county,  about  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  the  Colorado  2d  being  in  the 
advance,  with  the  Colorado  Battery.  When  within  about  three  miles  of 
Newtonia.  messengers  passed  along  the  lines  from  the  front,  with  the  intelli- 
gence that  our  advance  had  overtaken  the  rebel  army  at  the  latter  place, 
and  was  then  engaged.  The  command  "Forward — trot — gallop — march  I" 
was  given,  and  never  with  more  hearty  alacrity  obeyed,  and  the  brigade 
swept  on  through  almost  impenetrable  clouds  of  dust  to  the  open  ground 
north  of  the  town,  where  our  artillery  Avere  already  posted,  and  had  opened 
fire  with  shell  upon  the  enemy's  lines,  then  distant  more  than  a  mile,  and 
evidently  striving  to  get  into  the  timber  on  the  Pineville  road  with  the  train. 

34 


274  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

Reaching  the  crest  of  the  hill  upon  which  the  battery  was  posted,  the  order 
was  given,  and  the  1st  Brigade  moved  rapidly  towards  the  enemy,  by  this 
time  engaged  by  Colonel  Ford's  Brigade.  The  1st  Brigade  was  immediately 
formed,  by  direction  of  the  General  Commanding,  on  the  right  of  the  line. 
Commencing  a  spirited  and  determined  fire  at  a  range  of  about  five  hundred 
yards,  the  howitzers,  under  Sergeant  Patterson,  doing  more  efficient  execu- 
tion than  at  any  previous  action  during  the  campaign.  In  this  connection,  I 
would  mention  with  particular  recommendations  to  favor.  Sergeant  Patterson, 
14th  K.  V.  C.,  an  experienced  and  capable  artillerist  of  long  service  in  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  and  elsewhere.  During  the  whole  of  the  campaign, 
he  remained  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties  as  Sergeant  of  the  howit- 
zer battery,  which  fired  the  first  gun  at  Lexington,  and  almost  the  last  at 
Newtoiiia. 

For  further  details  of  the  battle,  permit  me  to  extract  from  the  report 
of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hoyt,  15th  K.  V.  C.,  as  follows,  he  being  at  that 
time  in  command  of  the  Brigade,  by  reason  of  the  temporary  disability  of 
myself,  caused  by  an  accident: 

"HEAD- QUARTERS  15th  K.  V.  C.,  IN  THE  FIELD,  ) 
CHEROKEE  NATION,  Nov.  9,  1864.      ) 

*  *  *  *  "On  the  28th  of  October,  Price  was  attacked  by 
General  Blunt,  with  the  brigades  of  yourself  and  Colonel  Ford,  2d  Colorado 
Cavalry,  at  Newtonia,  Mo  In  this  engagement,  it  was  my  privilege  to  lead 
your  brigade,  of  which  I  can  only  say,  none  could  have  fought  more  nobly, 
or  with  greater  determination,  standing  under  fire  a  long  time  without  a 
cartridge  to  return  the  galling  fire  of  the  enemy,  having  expended  eighty 
rounds  to  the  man,  the  alacrity  of  our  movements  rendering  it  impossible  for 
the  ammunition  train  to  keep  up. 

"  I  desire  to  mention  Lieut.  Jos.  Mackle,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  1st  Brigade,  and 
Lieutenant  "W.  H.  Bisbee,  Company  UE,"  15th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry, 
acting  Regimental  Adjutant,  for  their  praiseworthy  conduct  in  the  last 
named,  and  in  fact  all  the  engagements  in  which  this  regiment  was  employed. 
Of  the  officers  of  my  command  and  their  men,  it  is  not  possible  for  me  to 
specify  particular  names,  for  all  were  brave,  and  none  were  either  cowardly 
or  incompetent.  "  GEO.  H.  HOYT, 

"Lieutenant-Colonel  Commanding. 

"Maintaining  its  line  of  battle  unbroken  until  some  time  after  dark,  the 
1st  Brigade,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  the  General  Commanding,  encamped 
for  the  night  in  the  town  of  Newtonia,  having  brought  in  all  its  wounded, 
who  were  properly  cared  for,  and  bestowed  in  the  houses  of  the  town." 

In  the  same  report,  the  Colonel  mentions  the  3rd 
Wisconsin  Cavalry,  and  quotes  from  Lieutenant 
Pond's  report : 

"  Of  the  battle  of  Newtonia,  Lieutenant  Pond  reports  that  his  command, 
reduced  to  thirty-four  effective  men,  was  placed  on  the  left  of  the  2d  Colo- 
rado, and  took  part  in  the  charge  led,  as  at  Westport,  by  General  Blunt  in 
person,  against  an  enemy  so  vastly  superior,  that  the  audacity  of  the  charge 
must  have  been  as  auspicious  as  its  valor.  That  we  held  that  position  until 
our  ammunition  was  exhausted,  and  afterwards  until  succor  came,  history 
will  tell  and  truly;  but  how,  seems  a  miracle.  In  this  contest,  Lieutenant 
Pond's  command  lost  four  men,  seriously  wounded,  and  eleven  horses  killed. 
The  Lieutenant  concludes  his  report  as  follows: 


REBEL    COMMISSARIAT.  275 

"It  affords  me  pleasure,  in  connection  herewith,  to  notice  the  conspicuous 
gallantry  and  heroism  of  Lieutenant  John  Crites,  Company  "D.1'  His 
coolness  and  self-possession,  under  the  most  terrific  fire,  gave  to  his  recruits 
the  full  assurance  of  veterans.  He  was  the  only  commissioned  officer  in  the 
battalion  with  me  when  we  entered  the  battle  of  Newtonia: 

The  remaining  prisoners  of  the  2d  Kansas  State 
Militia,  under  Captain  Huntoon,  came  into  camp  on 
the  29th,  having  been  paroled  by  General  Price  at 
Granby.  They  were  in  a  most  pitiable  condition ; 
starved,  half  naked,  worn  out  and  barefoot,  having 
been  robbed  by  their  captors  of  all  decent  articles 
of  clothing.  Everything  possible  was  done  for  their 
comfort. 

That  night  the  enemy  retired  in  hasty  disorder, 
leaving  their  wounded  in  our  lines,  and  their  dead 
unburied  where  they  fell.  The  condition  of  their 
wounded  was  frightful.  An  assistant  surgeon  of 
Munroe's  Arkansas  Regiment,  and  a  medical  student 
recruited  at  Lexington,  were  left  in  charge  of  the 
hospital.  One  sack  of  flour  and  a  scant  supply  of 
a  few  common  drugs,  were  all  that  the  rebel  medical 
and  commissariat  stores  could  furnish.  The  surgeon 
came  in  under  a  flag  of  truce,  and,  announcing  their 
condition,  asked  such  medical  stores  as  humanity 
demanded  should  be  at  his  disposal.  On  arrival  o| 
our  medical  train,  their  wants  were  supplied. 

Every  preparation  was  made  for  an  early  resump. 
tion  of  the  pursuit,  which  General  Curtis  was  now  surei 
would  result  in  the  surrender  of  the  rebel  army. 
This  was  the  main  purpose  of  his  campaign,  and; 
with  efficient  co-operation  after  the  battle  of  New. 
tonia,  could  have  been  brought  about.  Our  horses 


276  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

and  men,  exhausted  though  they  were,  were  in  better 
condition  than  the  enemy's.  Below  this  point,  he 
passed  beyond  the  range  of  mills  and  grain.  By  a 
vigorous  pursuit,  he  could  be  prevented  from  menac- 
ing our  posts  in  Western  Arkansas  and  on  the  river, 
while  they  would  be  enabled  to  prevent  him 
crossing  that  stream. 

Even  if  not  successful  in  forcing  a  surrender, 
immediate  and  unremitting  pursuit  must  exhaust  the 
rebels,  deplete  his  army  by  constant  desertion,  and 
finally  compel  him  to  flee  only  as  a  mob  retires, 
disordered,  demobilized  and  demoralized  utterly. 

Such  was  undoubtedly  the  reasoning  on  the  night 
of  the  28th.  General  McNeil  and  Colonel  Moonlight 
came  in  after  dark.  The  first  was  ordered  to  take 
the  advance  next  day,  moving  at  three  A.  M. 

Just  as  the  troops  were  moving  out,  a  courier 
arrived  from  General  Pleasanton,  with  orders  from 
General  Rosecrans,  directing  all  the  troops  of  his 
department  to  return  to  their  respective  districts. 
This  of  course  prohibited  any  further  pursuit,  as 
General  Curtis  had  with  him  less  than  1,500  men, 
properly  belonging  to  his  command.  Generals 
Sanborn  and  McNeil  moved  towards  Springfield, 
while  the  1st  Division  was  ordered  to  return  to 
Kansas  by  way  of  Neosho.  Major  Murphy,  of  M. 
S.  M.,  was  left  in  command  of  Newtonia,  and  every 
possible  preparation  made  for  taking  care  of  the 
wounded.  Subsistence  and  medical  train  arrived 
during  the  forenoon  of  the  29th. 


BLUNT' s  PUBLISHED  ACCOUNT. 

The  indignation  of  all  was  intense.  It  was  felt 
that  General  Rosecrans  could  not  have  known  or 
appreciated  the  position.  Misinformed  as  to  the 
campaign,  by  those  whose  duty  it  was  to  have  told 
the  truth,  the  order  recalling  was  without  doubt 
issued  on  the  idea  that  the  campaign  was  practically 
over,  and  further  pursuit  was  useless.  The  Lieuten- 
ant-General did  not,  as  will  be  hereafter  seen,  agree 
with  this  view. 

The  following  account  of  the  conflict  at  Newtonia 
was  sent  by  General  Blunt  to  Senator  Lane,  and  by 
the  latter  published  in  the  papers  of  the  State : 


NEOSIIO,  October  30,  1864, 
IN  THE  FIELD. 


To  GENERAL  J.  H.  LANE: 

On  the  28th  instant,  at  3  o'clock  P.  M.,  after  marching  all  day  and  night 
previously,  I  came  up  with  Price  at  Newtonia,  with  Ford's  and  Jennison's 
Brigades  of  my  Division.  Price  had  gone  into  camp  in  the  timber  south  of 
the  town,  thinking  that  we  had  quit  the  pursuit. 

Upon  discovering  our  advance,  he  formed  one  line  of  battle  in  the  edge  of 
the  timber,  another  in  front  on  the  prairie,  developing  almost  ten  thousand 
men.  t  moved  forward  rapidly  and  attacked  him  with  vigor.  The  fight 
lasted  from  3  o'clock  until  dark,  and  was  the  warmest  contested  field  we 
have  had  in  the  campaign.  With  the  two  brigades,  I  held  the  field, 
without  support,  until  nearly  sundown,  when  Sanborn  came  up  just  in  time 
to  form  on  my  left  and  repulse  a  flanking  column  of  the  enemy.  We  then 
drove  them  from  the  field  in  confusion. 

They  retreated  hastily,  and  moved  all  night  on  the  Cassville  road.  My 
loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  was  about  one  hundred  and  eighteen,  and  about 
one  hundred  and  seventy-five  horses  killed. 

A  rebel  surgeon,  who  came  in  with  a  flag  of  truce,  reports  the  enemy's 
loss  at  over  two  hundred.  Among  their  killed  were  two  Colonels. 

A  spy  of  ours,  who  has  been  with  them  for  several  days  past  and  during 
the  battle  of  the  28th,  has  come  in,  and  reports  that  Price  has  16,000  men 
armed,  and  10,000  unarmed;  that  he  has  still  about  four  hundred  wagons, 
mostly  loaded  with  goods  plundered,  and  that  lie  has  burned  large  amounts 
of  his  transportation.  He  says  Price  will  not  fight  unless  compelled  to,  to 
save  his  train  and  unarmed  conscripts,  but  will  move  as  rapidly  as  possible 
to  lied  River.  He  also  says  Price  intended,  if  possible,  to  make  his  head- 
quarters this  winter  at  Kansas  City.  This  is  also  corroborated  by  most  of 
the  prisoners  we  have  taken. 

Price  told  the  Missouri  recruits  that  Kansas  could  not  raise  force  enough 
tr»  disturb  him  in  carrying  out  his  programme. 

General  Curtis  ordered  the  troops  to  march  yesterday  morning  at  3  o'clock, 
and  vigorously  follow  up  the  pursuit,  but  before  the  hour  arrived,  an  order 


278  AKMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

came  from  General  Rosecrans  for  all  the  forces  of  Pleasanton  to  abandon  the 
pursuit  and  return  to  the  head-quarters  of  their  respective  districts.  Yester- 
day I  removed  to  this  point  to  recruit  the  stock  and  rest  the  men,  and  be 
within  supporting  distance  of  Forts  Gibson  and  Smith. 

Orders  have  just  arrived  from  Lieutenarit-General  Grant,  which  will,  I 
hope,  enable  us  to  yet  do  the  enemy  more  damage. 

Of  the  Shawnee  county  militia,  one  hundred  have  come  in  paroled.  They 
have  suffered  much  for  food  and  from  hard  travel.  All  say  they  were  well 
treated  as  prisoners.  They  speak  well  of  General  Shelby.  I  will  keep  you 
advised  as  proper.  Truly  yours, 

JAS.  G.  BLUNT. 


CHAPTEK    XX. 


EESUMPTION     OF    PUESUIT EOUTE     OF     THE    EEBELS 

THE     PEA     KIDGE    BATTLE-FIELD ATTACK     ON    FAY- 

ETTEVILLE GALLANT    DEFENSE. 

THE  troops  under  General  Curtis  rested  at  Neosho, 
on  the  night  of  the  29th.  Early  on  the  morning 
of  the  30th,  a  courier  arrived  with,  dispatches, 
enclosing  an  order,  through  General  Halleck,  from 
Lieutenant-General  Grant,  bearing  date  the  28th, 
desiring  the  pursuit  of  Price  to  be  continued  to  the 
Arkansas  River,  or  until  he  encountered  General 
Steele  or  General  Reynolds. 

Acting  on  this,  General  Curtis  immediately  issued 
orders  for  a  continuance  of  the  march,  and  consider- 
ing that  this  overruled  the  orders  of  General  Rose- 
crans,  received  twenty-two  hours  before  at  Newtonia, 
sent  dispatches  to  Generals  Sanborn  and  McNeil, 
Colonel  Phillips  and  Colonel  Benteen.  The  courier 
found  the  latter  a  few  miles  north  of  Neosho ;  the 
others  were  not  reached  till  after  arrival  at  Spring- 
field. They  were  ordered  to  move  by  way  of  Cass- 


280  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

ville,  Mo.  General  McNeil  used  great  exertions  to 
overtake  General  Curtis.  When  the  order  was 
received,  lie  was  busily  engaged  in  shoeing  his 
horses,  and  the  time  necessarily  occupied  in  the  work 
upon  a  thousand  animals,  delayed  his  march.  He 
however  pushed  after  the  1st  Division,  and  after 
leaving  Cassville,  taking  with  him  the  best  mounted 
men  of  the  brigade,  followed  with  all  speed,  and 
missing  the  trail,  marched  direct  to  Fort  Smith. 

Colonel  Benteen  joined  General  Curtis  on  the 
morning  of  November  1st,  at  the  camp  near  Pea 
Ridc^e.  General  Sanborn  followed  to  Cassville, 

O  / 

whence  he  issued  an  order  directing  Colonel  Ben- 
teen's  movements.  That  officer  returned  answer, 
that  being  only  temporarily  jn  the  Department  of 
Missouri,  and  having  received  orders  from  General 
Grant,  through  General  Curtis,  he  held  himself 
bound  to  obey  them,  and  when  relieved,  to  rejoin  as 
speedily  as  might  be,  his  proper  corp  command. 

A  wide  difference  of  opinion  existed  between  the 
Commanding  Generals  in  Missouri,  and  General 
Curtis,  as  to  the  policy  of  pursuing  the  enemy  below 
Newtonia.  The  order  of  General  Rosecrans  is  one 
evidence,  and  the  following  communication  to  Plea- 
anton  from  General  Sanborn,  is  another.  As  this 
letter  is  a  good  statement  of  this  difference,  it  is 
given  entire : 

HEAD- QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  OF  S.  W.  MISSOURI,  ) 
Springfield,  Nov.  12,  1864.       J 
To  MAJOR-GENERAL  PLEASANTON : 

I  have  just  returned  from  Cassville,  and  will  forward  my  official  report  of 
the  campaign  in  a  few  da  vs.     Xo  one  !•>««  fired  a  shot  at  the  enemy  since  the 


A  DIFFERENCE    OF   OPINION.  281 

battle  of  Newtonia,  where  the  enemy  gained  great  advantage  over  Blunt  at 
first,  but  my  command  got  up  in  time  to  turn  the  enemy's  right,  and  the  tide 
of  things. 

The  enemy  lost  very  largely  in  men  and  horses  in  North-west  Arkansas, 
and  the  border. 

My  idea  was,  and  is  now,  that  when  we  got  him  below  Newtonia  and  the 
region  of  grain  mills  and  cattle,  we  should  not  crowd  him  anymore,  but 
rather  make  an  effort  to  hold  him  in  this  land  of  starvation,  as  we  would  a 
garrison  out  of  supplies,  until  his  army  broke  up  and  divided.  Deserters 
were  very  numerous  while  Price  was  in  this  section,  but  I  have  seen  none 
that  have  left  him  since  he  was  pushed  off  towards  his  supplies. 

My  own  view  is,  that  all  the  efforts  of  General  Curtis  to  drive  the  enemy, 
and  they  have  been  great,  and  entitle  him  to  credit,  have  been  to  our 
detriment  and  the  enemy's  advantage,  for  I  believe  one-half  of  his  army 
would  have  deserted  north  of  the  Arkansas,  had  it  not  been  for  the  fear  of 
the  pursuing  foe,  and  the  pursuit  has  been  expensive;  but  the  enemy  has 
suffered  badly,  and  all  should  be  satisfied,  I  suppose.  My  dispatches  from 
General  Thayer  indicate  that  the  troops  on  the  Arkansas  will  not  attack 
Price.  JOHN  B.  SANBORN, 

Brigadier-General  Commanding. 

An  obvious  criticism  on  this  is  that  the  Lieutenant- 
General  and  the  Secretary  of  War  did  not  agree 
with  General  Sanborn  or  his  immediate  commander. 
An  order  from  General  Grant  has  already  been 
giv7en.  To  anticipate  somewhat,  it  is  here  stated, 
that  on  the  7th  of  November,  the  Secretary  of  War 
directed  General  Curtis  to  assume  command  of  all 
troops  on  his  line  of  march  in  pursuit  of  Price, 
returning  them  to  their  proper  commanders  after  its 
close. 

As  to  the  criticism  upon  the  wisdom  of  General 
Curtis'  policy,  a  sufficient  answer  is  found  in  the 
fact,  that  an  abandonment  of  the  pursuit  at  the 
point  named,  would  have  flooded  the  district  which 
General  Sanborn  commanded,  with  the  worst  of 
bushwhackers.  Again,  the  sagacity  shown  by 
General  Curtis,  is  exhibited  in  the  fact  that  in  all 
probability,  not  only  Fayetteville  would  have  fallen, 
but  that,  strengthened  by  a  junction  with  Generals 


282  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

Cooper  and  Gano,  Price  would  have  made  a  com- 
paratively easy  capture  of  Forts  Smith  and  Gibson, 
and  thus  replaced  his  great  losses  by  equally  as 
valuable  gains. 

After  leaving  Cassville,  it  was  found  that  the 
main  force  of  the  enemy  had  moved  to  Pineville, 
and  thence  by  way  of  Maysville  down  the  State 
Line.  It  was  determined  to  push  on  direct  to 
Fayetteville,  as  that  post  being  exposed,  might  fall 
an  easy  prey  to  any  superior  rebel  force.  We 
camped  near  the  old  battle-field  of  Pea  Ridge, 
remaining  there  two  days,  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the 
subsistence  train,  which  reached  us  the  morning  of 
the  3rd.  Breaking  camp  in  the  midst  of  a  severe 
snow  storm,  the  Army  of  the  Border,  now  about 
three  thousand  strong,  marched  to  Sugar  Creek.  On 
this  day's  march,  General  Curtis  passed  across  the 
historic  ground  made  famous  by  the  victory  he  won 
over  the  combined  armies  of  Price,  Mclntosh  and 
McCullough,  under  Van  Dorn,  in  March,  1862. 
Again  was  he  pursuing  his  old  antagonist,  but  under 
somewhat  different  circumstances.  Giving  that  for- 
midable foe  the  first  effectual  rebuff  of  the  war,  it 
must  have  been  a  source  of  great  satisfaction  to  the 
gallant  old  soldier  commanding  our  troops,  to  know 
that  he  was  again  driving  this  same  chieftain,  and 
undrr  circumstances  which  warranted  a  belief  in  its 
being  a  final  and  fatal  blow  to  the  rebel  power  west 
of  the  Mississippi. 

Dispatches  were  received  from  General  Thayer  at 


ATTACK    OlN     FAYETTEVILLE.  283 

Fort  Smith,  and  Colonel  Harrison  at  Fayetteville, 
urging  a  close  pursuit  of  Price  as  tlie  only  means  of 
saving  those  posts.  Three  days  of  unremitting  rain 
and  snow,  as  well  as  the  delay  necessary  for  the 
arrival  of  our  trains,  had  impeded  our  movements. 
It  became  evident  no  assistance  could  be  expected 
from  General  Rosecrans'  troops.  Major  Melton,  2d 
Arkansas  Cavalry,  commanding  post  at  Cassville, 
reported  with  fifty  men,  and  was  sent  forward  to 
Fayetteville. 

About  midnight  on  the  3rd,  while  encamped  at 
Cross  Hollows,  in  the  midst  of  a  heavy  storm  of 
rain  and  snow,  dispatches  arrived  from  Colonel 
Harrison,  announcing  an  attack  by  Fagan  on  that 
post,  and  requesting  assistance.  It  was  then  held 
against  great  odds,  but  must  fall  if  not  soon  relieved. 

Fayetteville,  eighteen  miles  in  advance  of  our 
camp,  was  strongly  fortified  by  substantial  earth- 
works, garrisoned  by  a  force  of  1,100  troops  and 
citizens,  commanded  by  Colonel  M.  La  Rue  Harrison, 
1st  Cavalry,  Arkansas  Volunteers.  It  was  a  place 
of  considerable  importance,  and  contained  valuable 
stores.  The  1st  Arkansas  had  been  stationed  there 
since  the  spring  of  '63.  After  the  disastrous  cam- 
paign of  General  Steele,  in  the  spring  of  '64,  bands 
of  guerrillas  reappeared  in  North-western  Arkansas, 
harassing  the  Union  citizens  and  soldiers,  breaking 
up  the  mail  and  telegraphic  route,  and  constantly 
harassing  our  trains  and  forces.  They  were  led  by 
a  noted  partizan,  Major  Buck  Brown.  Afterwards 


284  AEMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

Colonel  Brooks,  of  the  rebel  army,  appeared  in  the 
district  with  three  hundred  men.  Having  authority 
to  raise  a  rebel  brigade,  he  immediately  commenced 
recruiting  and  conscripting.  Colonel  Harrison's  force, 
nominally  cavalry,  was  but  indifferently  mounted, 
and  as  he  was  compelled  to  guard  and  hold  open  the 
route  north  to  Cassville,  and  south  to  Van  Buren,  his 
troops  and  stock  were  greatly  overworked.  At 
Fayetteville,  eleven  companies  were  stationed,  of 
whom  only  two  hundred  were  mounted.  As  Price 
moved  north,  the  rebels  became  bolder.  October 
20th,  while  Colonel  Harrison  was  escorting  a  subsist- 
ence train  from  Cassville,  with  one  hundred  and 
seventy  men,  he  encountered  Buck  Brown  in  Benton 
county,  with  some  six  hundred  men,  and  had  a 
severe  fight,  which,  lasting  two  hours,  resulted  in  the 
defeat  of  Brown,  who  retreated,  leaving  several 
killed  and  wounded.  Learning  that  Brooks  was  at 
Fitzgerald  Mountain  with  eight  hundred  men,  wait- 
ing in  ambush  for  the  arrival  of  the  train,  Colonel 
Harrison  made  a  detour,  passing  four  miles  to  the 
east,  at  midnight  of  the  21st,  and  arrived  safely  at 
Fayetteville  on  the  25th. 

The  rebels  under  Colonel  Brooks  then  invested 
Fayetteville,  with  the  intention  of  starving  the 
garrison  out.  The  investment  was  so  complete  as  to 
prevent  foraging  other  than  by  sending  out  well 
armed  parties  of  mounted  men,  with  sacks  for  corn, 
to  be  brought  back  on  their  animals.  On  the  27th, 
Captain  D.  C.  Hopkins,  one  of  the  most  dashing 


ATTACK   ON   EAST   MOUNTAIN.  285 

officers  the  Arkansas  loyalists  have  furnished,  while 
thus  foraging,  was  attacked  by  Buck  Brown  with 
•five  hundred  men.  Captain  Hopkins  forced  his  way 
through  the  enemy,  skirmishing  with  him  for  several 
miles,  and  after  a  narrow  escape  from  being  cut  off 
by  Brooks,  reached  Fayetteville  in  safety. 

On  the  28th  Brooks  occupied  East  Mountain,  a 
prominent  elevation  near  the  post.  With  two  guns, 
which  he  succeeded  in  planting  thereon,  he  annoyed 
the  garrison,  shelling  the  outer  intrenchments. 
Captains  Hopkins  and  E.  B.  Harrison,  with  their 
respective  companies,  dismounted,  were  ordered  to 
clear  the  mountain  side.  Twice  they  charged  up 
the  precipitous  sides ;  twice  were  they  repulsed.  On 
the  third  attempt  they  succeeded  in  attacking  and 
dislodging  the  foe,  driving  him  from  the  summit. 
In  this  attempt,  our  force  had,  at  various  portions 
of  the  ascent,  to  pull  themselves  up  the  steep  sides 
by  means  of  the  bushes  and  vines,  being  all  the 
time  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire.  We  captured  a 
number  of  small  arms  and  a  quantity  of  forage. 
Several  killed  and  wounded  were  left  in  our  hands. 
One  of  their  guns  burst  in  the  assault.  At  ten  A.  M., 
Brooks  made  a  desperate  and  vigorous  attack  upon 
the  works  at  the  west  side.  After  two  hours'  severe 
fighting  he  was  driven  off,  with  the  loss  of  twelve 
killed  and  twenty-five  wounded,  several  of  these 
mortally.  Buck  Brown  lost  eleven  killed  and 
wounded.  Our  loss  was  two  seriously  wounded,  one 
of  whom  died  afterwards,  and  four  slightly  wounded. 


286  AEMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

The  enemy  still  continued  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
post,  but  made  no  further  demonstrations  until  the 
3rd  of  November.  Early  that  morning,  Colonel 
Harrison's  scouts  reported  8,000  rebels  with  two 
guns,  marching  under  Fagan  from  Cane  Hill.  Price 
had  moved  continuously  to  Cane  Hill,  a  village  about 
thirty  miles  south-west  of  Fayetteville,  known  as  the 
head-quarters  of  a  strong  rebel  community.  Here, 
while  engaged  in  recruiting  his  command,  caring  for 
the  wounded,  <fcc.,  he  detached  Fagan's  Division, 
5,000  strong,  with  two  guns,  to  capture  Fayetteville. 
The  rebel  General  was  joined  by  Brooks  and  Brown 
with  1,500  men.  At  eleven  A.  M.,  our  works  were 
attacked,  the  pickets  driven  in,  and  without  any 
warning  or  time  allowed  to  move  the  women  and 
children,  the  shelling  commenced.  During  the  bom- 
bardment, a  number  of  shells  entered  houses  where 
families  were  living.  One  shell  passed  through  the 
wall  of  Mrs.  Steele's  house,  exploding  in  the  bedroom 
of  her  daughter,  the  wife  of  a  Federal  officer,  who 
had  but  a  moment  before  left  the  room.  Other  shells 
entered  the  building  used  for  hospital  purposes. 
Though  the  hospital  flag  was  flying  over  the  build- 
ing, the  rebel  fire  was  directed  there  without 
discrimination.  One  of  their  wounded  men  in  our 
hands  was  killed  by  a  rifle  ball  from  their  lines. 
The  guns  used  by  Fagan  were  one  six  pound  rifle 
and  one  twelve  pound  howitzer.  Three  times  were 
the  rebels  drawn  up  in  line  to  charge  our  works ; 
three  times  was  the  order  given,  but  each  time,  under 


BELIEF    OF   FAYETTEVILLE.  287 

the  deadly  fire  of  our  rifles,  they  failed  to  move 
forward  and  attempt  the  perilous  task.  At  sunset 
the  force  was  withdrawn,  retreating  towards  Cane 
Hill  with  the  guns,  till  only  six  hundred  remained, 
who  left  early  on  the  4th,  moving  east. 

The  rebel  loss  is  reported  at  seventy-five  killed 
and  wounded.  Ours  was  nine  wounded,  one  mor- 
tally. Our  intrenchments  protected  the  men.  The 
garrison  numbered  1,128,  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
five  of  whom  were  citizens. 

A  small  party  sent  by  General  Curtis  succeeded 
in  reaching  Fayetteville  during  the  night.  Before 
daylight  our  little  army  was  on  its  march.  Fayette- 
ville was  reached  at  eleven  o'clock.  The  enemy  had 
already  '  retired.  The  movement  was  doubtless 
accelerated  by  our  approach.  A  small  body  of 
rebels  under  Colonel  Freeman,  separated  from 
Fagan's  command  and  moved  eastward  towards 
White  River.  They  left  a  broken  and  dismounted 
gun.  It  was  afterwards  reported  that  on  arrival 
near  Huntsville,  this  force  disbanded  in  disgust.  The 
main  force  joined  Price,  who  was  collecting  cattle 
and  supplies,  preparatory  to  crossing  the  Arkansas. 

Our  troops  remained  at  Fayetteville  till  the  morn- 
ing of  the  5th.  This  delay  was  owing  to  the  diffi- 
culty of  ascertaining  Price's  main  line  of  march. 
The  troops  under  Colonel  Harrison  now  joined  the 
pursuing  army,  excepting  sufficient  garrison  to  hold 
the  place.  Captain  Dodge's  9th  .Wisconsin  Battery 
was  also  left  here,  the  animals  being  unfit  for  further 


288  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

travel.  Colonel  Moonlight,  who,  with  the  2d  Bri- 
gade, had  been  sent  from  Leesburg,  on  Pea  Ridge, 
towards  Bentonville,  arrived  in  the  course  of  the 
day.  He  had  encountered  a  small  band  of  guerrillas, 
killing  two  in  the  pursuit.  Colonel  Jennison's 
Brigade  had  also  made  a  detour  to  a  flouring  mill 
east  of  the  line  of  march,  and  drove  off  a  band  of 
rebels  who  were  running  the  mill.  Everything 
behind  us  had  been  cleaned  out.  At  no  time  during 
the  war  had  South-east  Missouri  and  North-west 
Arkansas  been  so  free  from  bushwhackers. 

The  condition  of  the  country  was  poor  indeed. 
The  people  were  utterly  impoverished.  Very  few 
persons  were  at  home  except  women  and  children. 
Few  of  these  had  food  sufficient  for  the  ensuing 
winter,  and  barely  one  was  decently  clad,  while  most 
had  not  sufficient  clothing  to  hide  their  nakedness. 
Whatever  part  these  inhabitants  might  have  origi- 
nally taken,  they  were,  it  was  evident,  sufficiently 
punished,  and  in  a  condition  to  excite  commiseration. 
The  passage  of  two  armies  through  their  midst  did 
not  tend  to  better  their  condition. 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

FEOM  FAYETTEVILLE  TO  THE  ARKANSAS  RIVER TER- 
MINATION OF  THE  PURSUIT STORM  ON  THE  ARKAN- 
SAS  GENERAL  ORDERS. 

ON  the  5th,  the  army  camped  upon  the  battle-field 
of  Prairie  Grove.  General  Blunt  occupied  the  house 
used  by  him  for  his  conference  with  'the  rebel 
General  Hindman,  who  received  so  complete  a  defeat 
at  the  hands  of  Blunt  and  Herron  in  November,  '62. 
Cattle  were  found  in  sufficient  abundance  for  the  use 
of  the  troops.  This  comprised  nearly  all  the  sub- 
sistence obtained  by  them.  The^  pursuers  lived 
mainly  on  the  debris  of  the  retreating  army.  Forage 
was  scarce.  After  leaving  this  point  it  became 
more  so. 

On  the  6th,  we  reached  Cane  Hill.  Our  advance 
drove  out  some  small  bands,  and  found  the  town  full 
of  rebel  wounded,  left  there  by  the  retreating  foe. 
Nearly  one  hundred  were  paroled.  Among  them 
was  a  Major  Parrott,  Assistant  Adjutant-General  on 
Price's  staff,  who  stated  to  General  Blunt  that  the 
36 


290  AKMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

rebel  loss  since  leaving  Lexington  on  the  20th  of 
October,  a  period  of  seventeen  days,  was,  as  appeared 
by  the  consolidated  returns  made  on  the  morning 
before,  10,056.  This  included  killed,  wounded, 
captured  and  deserters.  Large  numbers  of  the 
latter  scattered  along  their  line  of  march,  and  for 
weeks  afterwards  reported  at  their  homes  in  Missouri, 
claiming  to  have  been  conscripted.  At  Cane  Hill 
it  was  evident  that  Price  had  expected  to  remain 
some  time,  his  troops  having  commenced  to  build 
huts.  Large  droves  of  cattle  gathered  by  him,  were 
left  behind.  Colonel  Benteen's  scouts  had  several 
brisk  skirmishes  with  the  rebel  rear  guard  and  scout- 
ing parties.  Some  half  dozen  were  killed.  We  lost 
one  man,  a  bugler.  Quite  an  interesting  relic  was 
recaptured.  It  was  the  flag  presented  to  General 
Blunt  at  Leaven  worth,  in  October,  1863,  and  capt- 
ured from  him  by  Quantrill,  at  the  Baxter's  Springs 
massacre,  shortly  afterwards.  The  flag  was  in  pieces, 
and  packed  in  an  old  traveling  bag.  It  was  nearly 
perfect,  and  when  sewn  together,  only  a  small 
portion  of  the  inscription  was  found  missing. 

About  sundown,  we  camped  near  the  ground  occu- 
pied by  Price  the  previous  night.  The  trail  was 
broad  and  well  marked,  and  headed  direct  to  the 
Arkansas  River.  His  camp-fires  had  extended  for 
miles  on  each  side  of  the  road,  and  the  remains  oi 
slaughtered  cattle  showed  that  large  quantities  ol 
meat  must  have  been  distributed  to  his  men.  We 
pressed  forward  on  the  direct  t'-.-nl,  having  entered 


DESOLATION   EVERYWHERE   VISIBLE.  291 

the  Cherokee  country  on  the  previous  day,  and  now 
moved  up  the  beautiful  valley  of  the  Salisan  River. 
On  the  east  the  flanks  of  the  Boston  mountains 
sloped  to  the  valley ;  their  summits,  lined  and 
softened  by  the  hazy  mist  of  distance,  bounded  the 
horizon  miles  away.  Westward  rolled  the  undula- 
ting prairies.  The  valley  was  dotted  with  farms, 
buildings  and  fields ;  before  the  war  the  abodes  of  a 
prosperous  and  civilized  people ;  now  deserted  and 
desolate ;  the  fields  covered  with  rank  and  unsightly 
weeds ;  the  dwellings  and  out-houses  falling  in  ruins. 

The  order  of  march  was  arranged  with  a  view  to 
probable  battle,  as  it  became  evident  that  we  were 
close  upon  the  enemy  once  more.  Colonel  Benteen's 
Veteran  Biigade  was  in  fro'nt ;  the  1st  Division  fol- 
lowed ;  Colonel  Harrison  closed  the  column,  and 
Major  Ketner  with  the  army  train  brought  up  the 
rear. 

We  camped  late  at  night,  and  started  early  on  the 
7th,  marching  in  a  south-west  direction,  mainly 
through  woods.  The  character  of  the  retreat  was 
plainly  discernible.  By  these  indications,  we  were 
encouraged  to  push  on,  as  it  was  evident  that  the 
rebels  were  making  for  the  river  in  such  haste  as 
becomes  a  panic  stricken  mob,  held  together  only  by 
their  necessities  and  the  instinct  of  self-preservation. 
Horses  and  mules,  lean,  hungry  looking,  and  worn 
out,  were  in  every  direction  to  be  seen,  feebly  picking 
a  scanty  meal  from  the  prairie.  Broken  wagons  and 
vehicles  of  all  kinds  were  scattered  along  the  trail. 


292  ARMY    OF   TIIE   BORDER. 

Heavy  stores,  fixed  ammunition,  shell,  shot,  etc., 
were  thrown  broadcast,  as  if  the  fugitives  desired  to 
plant  the  broad  swells  with  cadmean  seed.  The 
carriage  said  to  have  been  used  by  Price  himself,  was 
found  broken  by  the  wayside.  The  advance  pushed 
forward,  and  about  dark  came  upon  a  small  iron 
piece  abandoned  by  the  foe.  At  last  the  condition 
of  the  road,  the  darkness  of  the  night,  and  the 
necessity  of  closing  up  our  column,  compelled  a  halt 
and  some  hours'  rest.  We  bivouacked  some  miles 
from  the  Arkansas  River,  though  uncertain  of  our 
whereabouts. 

The  march  was  resumed  early  on  the  8th.  The 
morning  opened  in  gloom.  A  rain  storm  soon  set  in. 
Colonel  Harrison  took  the  advance.  The  prairie 
burning  in  our  front,  and  the  abandoned  animals, 
whose  backs  still  bore  marks  of  saddle  and  harness, 
gave  proof  of  the  rebels'  proximity.  Across  the 
prairie,  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  were  seen  dark, 
heavy  masses  of  timber,  which  proved,  as  we  neared 
them,  to  be  that  covering  the  Arkansas  River 
bottoms.  The  trail  was  fresh.  It  was  evident  that 
a  large  force  had  passed  within  a  short  period.  We 
pressed  through  the  timber  to  the  bank  of  the  river, 
and  thence  by  a  road  newly  cut  to  a  point  where  it 
was  apparent  that  Price's  entire  army  had  crossed. 

A  few  of  the  stragglers  fled  as  our  advance  rode 
up,  and  the  enemy's  rear  could  be  seen  in  the  timber 
on  the  south  side.  McLain's  guns  were  brought  up, 
and  the  rebel  retreat  accelerated  by  the  thundering 


FIRING    A   NATIONAL    SALUTE.  293 

echoes  of  their  discharge.  With  a  view  of  warning 
the  garrisons  at  Forts  Gibson  and  Smith,  between 
which  posts  it  was  evident  the  enemy  had  crossed ; 
in  honor  also  of  the  day  whereon,  while  we  stood 
watching  the  flight  of  a  lately  insolent  foe,  the  lovers 
of  Liberty  and  Union  throughout  the  loyal  States 
were  casting  the  ballots  which  silently,  yet  surely, 
marked  the  people's  determination  to  preserve  the 
Union  and  maintain  the  Government,  as  well  as  to 
drive  out  of  the  opposite  woods  any  straggling  foe 
that  might  be  there,  General  Curtis  directed  Captain 
Me  Lain  to  fire  (with  shell)  a  national  salute  of 
thirty-four  guns. 

Returning  to  the  edge  of  the  prairie,  the  Army  of 
the  Border  went  into  camp.  As  the  day  waned,  the 
storm  which,  with  rain  and  mist,  had  threatened 
through  all  its  hours,  now  broke  out  in  grandeur. 
The  rain  poured  down  in  torrents.  The  forked 
lightnings  flashed,  and  the  thunders  rolled  heavily 
and  continuously.  It  was  as  if  the  entire  aerial 
artillery,  and  all  voidless  forms  and  forces  of  the 
worlds  of  spirit  and  space,  had  been  brought 
together  for  a  grand  field  day.  The  scene  was  truly 
sublime,  vastly  magnificent  in  scale,  and  wildly 
tumultuous  in  its  uproar.  Great  trees  fell  crashing 
in  the  forest,  waking  echoes  which  vied  with  the 
thunder  in  their  report.  The  roar  of  the  river  came 
like  the  distant  rush  of  a  cataract,  or  the  wash  of 
the  ocean  waves  on  a  storm-lashed  beach.  The 


294  ARMY    OF   THE    BOIIDER. 

heavens  over  head  were  blacker  than  fabled  Erebus, 
except  when  riven  by  the  lurid  lightning  flame. 

Yet  with  wild  song  and  shout  our  troopers  made 
the  woods  echo  and  the  welkin  ring.  Their  fires 
were  quenched  as  fast  as  lighted.  Not  a  tent,  house 
or  shelter  was  to  be  had.  In  the  midst  of  the  wild 
scene,  and  amid  the  howling  of  the  storm,  half  fed 
and  almost  worn  out,  the  irrepressible  gaiety  of 
conquerors  broke  jubilantly  forth. 

About  ten  at  night  the  storm  began  to  subside, 
and  the  rifted  masses  of  black  clouds  moved  slowly 
across  the  heavens,  making  visible  the  deep  blue 
above,  which,  veiled  though  it  was,  still  smiled 
serenely  with  majestic  and  awe-inspiring  sense  of 
calm  repose. 

From  an  account  given  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Willets,  a 
missionary  residing  at  Dwight's  Mission,  who  was 
taken  prisoner  and  held  until  the  night  of  the  7th, 
the  destitution  and  demoralization  of  the  rebels  was 
most  complete.  Their  whole  line  passed  by  him 
several  times,  and  never  therein  did  he  perceive  any 
attempt  at  organization.  They  marched  as  it 
pleased  them,  and  seemed  only  intent  on  putting  the 
Arkansas  river  between  themselves  and  pursuers. 
Thirty-two  wagons,  common  farmer  teams  at  that, 
comprised  the  train  as  seen  by  him.  Two  guns 
were  all  their  artillery.  In  other  respects  the  same 
appearance  of  defeat  was  visible.  All  with  whom 
he  conversed  acknowledged  openly  their  complete 
overthrow.  This  is  borne  out  by  the  following, 


EEBEL  OFFICER'S  DIARY.  295 

from  the  Galveston  (Texas)  News,  copied  from  the 
diary  of  an  officer  of  General  Pagan's  Division  of 
Price's  Army.  The  latter  is  the  conclusion  of  it, 
including  the  battle  of  Newtonia : 

OCTOBER  28. — Moved  eight  miles,  and  camped  one  south  of  Newtonia. 
The  enemy  attacked  us  and  were  repulsed  by  Cabell's  and  Slema-on's 
Brigades,  and  a  small  part  of  Shelby's  Division,  with  heavy  loss;  our  loss 
about  eight  hundred  killed  and  wounded. 

OCTOBER  29. — Marched  twenty-five  miles  south-west,  and  camped  on  Cow- 
skin  Creek;  no  forage. 

OCTOBER  30. — Marched  to  Magnolia,  forty-five  miles,  and  camped;  no 
forage. 

OCTOBER  31. — Marched  twenty  miles  and  camped  on  the  Illinois  River; 
no  forage. 

NOVEMBER  1. — Moved  to  Cane  Hill;  the  weather  very  cold  and  wet  "We 
got  a  little  forage,  about  one-half  ration. 

NOVEMBER  2. — Remained  at  Cane  Hill.  Pagan's  Division  made  a  demon- 
stration on  Fayetteville,  to  let  McRay's  and  Dobbin's  Brigades  pass  to  north- 
east Kansas;  no  forage. 

NOVEMBER  3. — Remained  encamped  at  Cane  Hill;  weather  very  cold,  with 
heavy  snow.  Without  food  or  forage. 

NOVEMBER  4. — Moved  south-west  twelve  miles  and  camped  without  forage. 
We  now  abandon  wagons  every  day,  the  teams  having  entirely  given  out. 

NOVEMBER  5. — Marched  down  the  Salisan  twenty  miles  and  camped.  No 
forage. 

NOVEMBER  6. — Reached  the  Arkansas  River,  near  Pleasant  Bluff.  We 
have  got  plenty  of  beef,  but  no  forage. 

NOVEMBER  1. — Crossed  the  Arkansas  River  and  marched  four  miles.  No 
forage. 

NOVEMBER  8. — Moved  eight  miles  west  and  camped;  rained  all  night  and 
snowing  at  daylight.  The  sick  and  wounded  suffer  terribly.  No  food  or 
forage.  Some  of  the  commands  succeeded  in  getting  a  little  beef,  but 
Cabell's  Brigade  have  none. 

NOVEMBER  9. — Moved  fifteen  miles  west,  and  encamped  near  the  Canadan. 
The  weather  very  cold,  and  horses  and  mules  dying  by  hundreds.  I  noticed 
to-day,  that  several  men  died  on  the  road  from  illness  and  exhaustion,  and 
were  left  uuburied.  We  had  no  means  of  burying  them.  To-day,  General 
Fagan  might  have  been  seen  trudging  along  through  the  mud  and  rain, 
and  a  sick  soldier  riding  his  horse — an  act  that,  I  believe,  few  Generals 
are  accused  of  now-a-days — but  his  kindness  to  his  men  does  not  make  them 
love  him  any  the  less. 

NOVEMBER  10. — The  remnants  of  Cabell's  and  Slemmon's  Brigades  were 
directed  to  make  the  best  of  their  way  to  Arkansas,  and  report  at  a  given 
time,  at  points  assigned  in  the  orders.  With  them  the  writer  came,  and 
after  much  suffering,  we  reached  Arkansas. 

The  following  dispatch  was  sent  to  General  Davies, 
and  to  Department  Head-Quarters  at  Fort  Leaven- 
worth  : 


ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

HEAD- QUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  BORDER,  } 

CAMP  ARKANSAS,  November  8th,         v 

via  FORT  SCOTT,  November  15.      ) 

To  GENERAL  DAVIES: 

We  have  just  concluded  the  pursuit  of  Price,  whose  rear  guard  crossed 
the  Arkansas  River  under  fire  of  our  guns.  He  left  another  of  his  guns  and 
his  own  carriage,  which,  with  other  arms  and  equipments  have  fallen  into 
our  hands.  We  are  now  rid  of  20.000  or  30,000  half  starved  bushwhackers 
and  half  starved  vagabonds,  who,  I  hope,  may  never  return  to  disturb  the 
peaceful  inhabitants  north  of  the  Arkansas  river.  He  is  also  beyond  our 
posts  of  Fayetteville,  Fort  Smith  and  Fort  Gibson,  which  are  now  safe. 

(Signed)  S.  R.  CURTIS,  Major- General. 

General  Curtis  and  General  Blunt  issued  and  pro- 
mulgated the  following  congratulatory  orders  to  the 
troops  • 

HEAD- QUARTERS,  ARMY  OP  THE  BORDER,  ) 

CAMP  ARKANSAS,  November  8th,  1864.      J 

GENERAL  FIELD  ORDER: 

The  object  of  this  organization  and  campaign  is  accomplished.  The  rebel 
army  under  General  Sterling  Price  has  been  confronted,  beaten  in  several 
conflicts,  and  pursued  and  driven  over  three  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  from 
the  Missouri  to  the  Arkansas.  This  has  been  the  work  of  fourteen  days. 
Your  marches  have  been  .incessant,  sometimes  for  days  and  nights  in  rain 
and  snow,  and  generally  on  short  rations,  gathered  from  the  herds  lost  by  the 
enemy.  Your  privations,  toil  and  gallantry,  deserve  the  highest  commenda- 
tion; and  the  success  of  the  campaign  in  which  you  have  so  gloriously  par- 
ticipated, most  of  you  from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  must  entitle  you  to  the 
thanks  of  your  Government,  and  the  gratitude  of  the  loyal  people  of  our 
Country.  Your  losses  are  considerable,  but  nothing  in  comparison  with 
those  of  the  enemy,  who  admits  a  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  of 
eight  or  ten 'thousand.  All  his  cannon  but  two,  a  large  portion  of  his  small 
arms,  his  vast  wagon  train  loaded  with  spoils,  and  herds  of  cattle  and  horses 
have  been  left,  burned  and  scattered  in  the  way  of  your  pursuit.  His  army 
of  twenty  or  thirty  thousand  is  converted  into  an  unarmed,  unorganized 
mob,  destitute  of  everything,  starving  with  hunger,  and  far  from  supplies. 
Their  condition  is  indeed  so  desperate  as  to  excite  pity  more  than  exultation. 

But  the  greatest  achievements  of  this  campaign  are  the  driving  a  desperate 
class  of  vagrant  associates  of  the  rebels  so  far  from  your  homes  and  the  State 
you  defend.  Besides  this,  your  stern  resistance  and  close  pursuit,  saved  the 
towns  and  garrisons  of  Kansas  City,  Olathe,  Paola,  Fort  Scott,  Fayetteville, 
Fort  Gibson  and  Fort  Smith,  and  the  valuable  public  stores  of  those  places; 
besides  checking  ulterior  purposes  of  slaughter  and  desolation,  contemplated 
by  the  invasion  of  Kansas 

But  it  would  tarnish  the  brilliancy  of  your  achievements  to  claim  this  for 
yourselves  alone,  without  acknowledging  with  gratitude,  the  share  borne  in 
the  brunt  of  the  contest,  by  the  troops  of  Missouri  and  the  militia  of  Kansas, 
who  shared  our  dangers,  and  because  of  their  greater  numbers,  especially 
deserve  more  of  the  honors  due  to  the  conflicts  of  the  24th,  25th  and  28th 
of  October.  But  to  you,  including  the  brigade  of  Colonel  Benteen,  who 
have  shared  in  mast  of  these  battles,  and  continued  throughout  the  long, 
weary  pursuit,  to  the  dark  and  turbid  waters  of  the  Arkansas,  where  your 


GENERAL    FIELD    ORDERS.  297 

guns  thundered  in  the  rear  of  the  starving,  terrified  enemy,  must  be  accorded 
the  special  commendation  of  the  Commanding  General,  and  the  generous 
approval  of  your  Country. 

The  special  honors  due  to  distinguished  comrades  in  the  campaign,  will  be 
carefully  presented  by  the  Commanding  General,  in  his  proper  report  to 
Head-quarters  at  Washington,  and  to  secure  the  most  exact  justice  to  so 
many  deserving  commendation.  Commanders  of  Divisions,  Brigades,  Detach- 
ments and  Staff  Officers,  will  make  full  reports,  directed  to  Head-quarters, 
Fort  Leavenworth,  at  their  earliest  convenience. 

In  parting,  the  General  tenders  his  thanks  to  the  officers  and  soldiers,  for 
their  generous  support  and  prompt  obedience  to  orders,  and  to  his  Staff  for 
their  unceasing  efforts  to  share  the  toil  incident  to  the  campaign.  The  pur- 
suit of  Price  in  1864,  and  the  battles  of  Lexington,  Little  Blue,  Big  Blue, 
Westport,  Marias  des  Cygnes,  Osage,  Chariot  and  Newtonia,  will  be  borne 
on  the  banners  of  regiments  who  shared  in  them;  and  the  States  of  Missouri, 
Iowa,  Kansas,  Colorado,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Wisconsin  and  Arkansas,  may 
glory  in  the  achievement  of  her  sons  in  this  short,  but  eventful  campaign. 

The  .First  Division,  commanded  by  General  Blunt,  will  move  from  this 
camp  according  to  special  instructions. 

The  brigade  of  Colonel  Benteon  will  return  to  his  proper  corps  command 
by  such  route  as  he  may  consider  most  economical  and  advantageous  to  the 
Government. 

Colonel  Harrison  will  report  to  Major-General  Steele  at  his  earliest  con- 
venience. 

Colonel  Ford,  with  his  command,  will  accompany  the  Commanding  General 
to  Head-Quarters,  Fort  Leavenworth. 

BY  COMMAND  OF  MAJOR- GENERAL  CURTIS: 

C.  S.  CHARLOT, 

Assistant  Adjutant-General. 


HEAD-QUARTERS,  FIRST  DIVISION,  ARMY  OF  THE  BORDER,  ) 
Camp  on  the  Arkansas  River,  30  miles  West  of  Fort  Smith,  Nov.  8,  '64.  ) 

GENERAL  FIELD  ORDERS.  ) 
No.  6.  j" 

I.  The  pursuit  of  the  rebel  army  under  Gen.  Price  having  been  abandoned, 
and  the  Army  of  the  Border  disbanded  by  direction  of  superior  authority,  the 
General  Commanding  the  First  Division  desires  to  express  his  thanks  and 
admiration  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  his  command,  for  their  noble  con- 
duct and  gallantry,  displayed  throughout  one  of  the  most  memorable  cam- 
paigns of  the  West. 

On  the  16th  of  October,  the  Brigades  of  Colonel  Jennison  and  Colonel 
Moonlight,  numbering  in  all  but  two  thousand  men,  marched  from  Hick- 
man's  Mills,  Mo.,  to  Pleasant.  Hill,  Holden  and  Lexington,  to  make  a  recon- 
noisance  and  develop  the  position,  force  and  movements  of  the  enemy. 

On  the  19th  of  October,  at  11  A.  M.,  we  were  attacked  at  Lexington  by 
the  enemy  26,000  strong,  and  held  the  position  until  their  entire  army  was 
developed,  when  our  little  force  retired  fighting  and  in  good  order,  until  the 
darkness  of  the  night  put  an  end  to  the  contest. 

Thus  we  were  enabled  to  give  the  first  reliable  information  of  Price's 
force  and  movements  that  was  known  since  he  had  crossed  the  Arkansas 
River  on  his  route  into  Missouri. 

On  the  21st,  the  Brigades  of  Colonels  Jennison,  Ford  and  Moonlight, 
numbering  only  3,500  men,  fought  the  battle  of  the  Little  Blue,  contesting 
stubbornly  every  foot  of  ground  with  an  enemy  five  to  one  against  them, 

37 


298  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

with  the  most  glorious  results.  Tn  this  contest  the  2d  Brigade,  under  Colonel 
Moonlight,  is  entitled  to  special  commendation  for  the  gallant  manner  in 
which  they  fought  the  enemy's  advancing  columns  until  reinforcements 
arrived. 

On  the  22d,  the  Brigades  of  Colonels  Jennison  and  Moonlight  stub- 
bornly contested  the  advance  of  the  enemy  at  the  crossing  of  the  Big 
Blue;  and  at  the  State  Line  (after  the  enemy  had  forced  a  passage  at  Byrom's 
Ford)  checking  his  right  flank  and  punishing  him  severely. 

Thus,  by  striking  the  enemy  in  front,  and  by  three  days'  severe  fighting, 
he  was  firmly  held  in  check,  until  the  command  of  Major-General  Pleas- 
anton  was  enabled  to  overtake  and  attack  his  rear  at  Independence,  and 
co-operate  with  us  in  obtaining  the  glorious  results  of  the  battle  of  West- 
port  on  the  23rd,  when  the  entire  Division  (including  Colonel  C.  W.  Blair's 
Brigade  of  Kansas  State  Militia)  attacked  the  enemy's  front,  and  after  a 
severe  conflict  turned  his  right  flank,  which  resulted  in  his  complete  defeat 
and  rout. 

In  this  day's  contest,  credit  is  due  to  several  regiments  of  Kansas  State 
Militia  for  the  gallant  part  they  bore,  which  will  be  appropriately  noticed 
in  official  reports. 

In  the  battles  of  the  Osage  on  the  25th  (excepting  Companies  G,  I  and  K, 
2d  Colorado  Cavalry  Volunteers,  commanded  by  Captains  Green,  Kingsbury 
and  Elmer)  you  were  prevented  from  participating  as  you  desired,  because 
by  the  orders  of  superior  officers,  the  advance  was  taken  from  you,  after 
earning  and  obtaining  it  by  hard  fighting;  but  we  cannot  but  admire  the 
conspicuous  courage  displayed  on  that  day  by  our  comrades  in  arms  of 
General  Pleasanton's  Division,  who  did  their  duty  so  gallantly. 

In  this  day's  operations,  credit  is  due  to  the  2d  Brigade,  under  Colonel 
Moonlight  (who  was  directed,  after  the  battle  of  Westport,  to  move  on  the 
right  flank  of  the  enemy)  for  the  protection  given  to  the  border  of  Kansas, 
and  especialty  Mound  City,  where  they  fought  and  defeated  a  superior  rebel 
force,  and  saved  the  town  from  destruction. 

At  the  battle  of  Newtonia,  on  the  28th  ult.  (participated  in  by  the 
Brigades  of  Colonels  Jennison  and  Ford)  where  you  fought  and  defeated  a 
force  ten  times  your  number,  a  courage  and  heroism  was  displayed  unparal- 
leled in  the  history  of  the  war. 

To  recapitulate:  In  twenty-three  days  you  have  marched  over  five 
hundred  miles,  day  and  night,  through  rain  and  snow,  and  fought  five 
battles  with  an  enemy  greatly  your  superior  in  numbers.  You  have  suffered 
fatigue,  hunger  and  every  privation  incidental  to  a  soldier's  life.  The  result 
of  your  heroic  labors  (in  conjunction  with  your  comrades  of  the  Army  of 
Missouri)  is  the  complete  defeat^  and  rout  of  a  formidable  rebel  army, 
pursuing  them  across  the  Arkansas  River,  disorganized  and  reduced  to  a 
mob;  and  the  saving  of  Kansas  from  premeditated  invasion  and  devastation. 
For  this  you  are  entitled  to,  and  will  receive,  the  plaudits  of  a  grateful 
country.  While  we  drop  the  tear  of  sympathy  over  the  graves  of  comrades 
who  fell  by  our  sides,  we  will  ever  remember  that  their  death  was  a  noble 
sacrifice  for  their  country. 

II.  The  First  Brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  Jennison,  is  authorized  to 
inscribe  upon  their  banners,  Lexington,  Little  Blue,  Big  Blue,  Westport  and 
Newtonia. 

The  Second  Brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  Moonlight — Lexington,  Little 
Blue,  Big  Blue,  Westport^aid  Mound  City. 

The  Third  Brigade,  K.  S.  M.,  commanded  by  Colonel  Blair,  the  19th 
Regiment,  K.  S.  M.,  commanded  by  Colonel  Hogan,  and  the  llth  Regiment, 
K.  S.  M.,  commanded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wood  worth — Westport. 


ORDER   OF    GENERAL    ROSECRANS.  299 

The  Fourth  Brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  Ford — Little  Blue,  Westport 
and  Newtonia :  Companies  G-,  I  and  K,  2d  Colorado  Cavalry  Volunteers,  will 
inscribe  Osage  on  their  guidons. 

JAMES  G.  BLUNT,  Major- General. 

General  Rosecrans  also  issued  a  General  Order  at 
St.  Louis,  bearing  date  December  8th,  congratulating 
his  troops,  and  summing  up  the  results  of  the  cam- 
paign. The  material  portions  are  given.  It  will  be 
seen  that  no  credit  is  given  to  others ;  no  honor 
accorded  to  the  operations  of  Generals  Curtis  and 
Blunt,  or  to  the  gallant  soldiers  under  them.  The 
tone  of  this  order  of  General  Rosecrans  is  in  strong 
contrast  with  the  .generous  eulogisms  passed  on  the 
Missouri  troops  by  both  General  Curtis  and  General 
Blunt. 

1 '  On  the  8th  of  October,  when  General  Pleasanton  assumed  command  at 
Jefferson  City,  he  sent  Sariborn,  with  all  his  mounted  force,  four  thousand 
one  hundred  strong,  to  follow  the  rebel  track  and  harrass  them  until  all  our 
remaining  cavalry  could  join  you,  and  the  infantry  supports  came  up.  You 
drove  the  enemy's  rear  guard  upon  their  main  force  in  line  of  battle  near 
Boonville,  and  bearded  them  in  position  witli  a  force  of  only  5,500  men. 
Pursuing  their  retreat  westward,  and  keeping  them  between  you  and  the 
Missouri  River,  without  an  opportunity  to  double  on  their  track,  you  waited 
the  arrival  of  Wiuslow's  command,  1,500  strong,  which  had  followed  the 
enemy  from  Arkansas,  and  when,  on  the  19th,  it  joined,  forming  the  Pro- 
visional Cavalry  Division  of  6,500  men,  exclusive  of  escort  guards,  under 
General  Pleasanton,  you  moved  on  the  foe  for  battle  and  victory,  overtook 
and  gave  them  the  first  sweet  taste  of  your  sabres  on  the  22d,  at  Indepen- 
dence, where  you  routed  Fagan  and  captured  two  of  his  guns.  On  the  23rd, 
you  passed  the  Big  blue,  fought  them  from  seven  in  the  morning  until  one 
P.  M.  Their  advance  quitting  Curtis  then  fell  upon  you,  when,  by  the 
combined  use  of  Timber's  double-shotted  canister  and  the  sabre,  you  routed 
their  main  force,  and  by  dark  had  thrown  them  beyond  Little  Santa  Fe. 

"On  the  24th,  at  midnight,  after  marching  some  sixty  miles,  with  little 
water  except  the  rain  on  your  backs,  and  less  food  for  men  or  horses,  you 
again  overtook  them  at  Marias  des  Cygnes,  began  skirmishing,  and  at  four 
A.  M.,  on  the  25th,  opening  with  artillery,  routed  them  with  loss,  capturing 
mules,  horses,  &c.,  &c.  Thence,  in  a  running  fight,  you  pursued  them  to 
the  Little  Osage  Crossing,  where  two  advanced  brigades,  under  Benteea 
and  Phillips,  charged  two  rebel  divisions,  routed  them,  captured  eight 
pieces  of  artillery  and  nearly  one  thousand  prisoners,  including  Generals 
Mannaduke  and  Cabell.  Sanborn's  Brigade  again  led  in  pursuit,  overtook 
them  and  made  two  more  brilliant  charges,  driving  everything  before  it, 
across  the  Mannaton,  whence  the  enemy  tied,  under  cover  of  night, 


300  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

towards  the  Arkansas.  After  thus  marching  two  hundred  and  four  miles  in 
six  days,  and  beating  the  enemy,  his  flying  columns  were  pursued  towards 
the  Arkansas  by  the  Kansas  troops  and  Benteen's  Brigade,  while  Sanborn, 
following,  marched  one  hundred  and  four  miles  in  thirty-six  hours,  and  on 
the  28th  reached  Newtoma,  where  the  enemy  made  his  last  stand,  in  time 
to  turn  the  tide  of  battle,  wlu'ch  was  going  on  against  General  Blunt,  again 
routing  the  enemy,  and  giving  the  liual  blow  to  the  greatest  cavalry  raid  of 
the  war. 

"The  substantial  results  of  this  brilliant  series  of  operations  are,  that 
while  our  infantry  and  dismounted  men  nobly  performed  their  share  of  the 
work  by  fighting  at  Pilot  Knob  and  Glasgow,  holding  the  depots  and  import- 
ant points,  and  backing  your  hazards;  the  enemy,  entering  the  State  with  a 
mounted  force  of  veteran  troops,  variously  estimated  at  from  15,000  to 
26,000,  and  eighteen  pieces  of  artillery,  with  vast  expectations  of  revolu- 
tionizing the  State,  destroying  Kansas,  and  operating  on  the  '  Presidential 
election,1  after  having  added  to  his  force  6.000  Missourians,  which  General 
Marmaduke  told  General  Pleasantou  were  armed  and  formed  into  a  division, 
h;ts  been  defeated  in  all  his  schemes,  his  mischief  confined  to  the  narrow 
belt  of  country  over  which  he  passed  and  routed  by  you  in  four  engage- 
ments, he  has  lost  ten  pieces  of  artillery,  a  large  number  of  small  arms, 
nearly  all  his  trains  and  plunder,  and,  besides  his  killed,  wounded  and 
deserters,  1,958  prisoners,  which  we  have  now  in  possession;  and  the 
latest  reports  confirm  the  statement  that  when  the  enemy's  forces  re-crossed 
the  Arkansas,  demoralization,  desertion  and  losses  had  reduced  their 
strength  to  less  than  5,000,  but  partially  armed  and  mounted,  with  three 
pieces  of  artillery,  and  their  horses  in  the  most  wretched  condition;  all  this 
has  been  accomplished  by  less  than  7,000  cavalry,  most  of  whom  never 
before  saw  a  great  battle;  and  your  entire  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  miss- 
ing, is  only  three  hundred  and  forty-six,  officers  and  men.  The  records  of 
this  war  furnish  no  more  brilliant  and  decisive  results."' 

This  order  of  General  Rosecrans  was  written  at 
St.  Louis  a  month  after  the  campaign  had  closed. 
Its  value  as  an  impartial  historical  document  may  be 
appreciated,  when  it  is  remembered  that  the  officer 
by  whom  it  was  issued  never  got  within  fifty  miles  of 
the  front,  never  heard  the  sound  of  the  guns,  and 
obtained  his  whole  impressions  from  the  reports  of 
subordinates. 

There  are  some  misstatements,  amounting  to  mis- 
representations of  the  facts,  which  require  noticing. 

From  General  Rosecrans'  summing  up,  the  public 
would  be  led  to  believe  that  at  the  battle  of  West- 
port,  October  23rd,  the  victory  there  gained  was  due 


MISSTATEMENT   CORRECTED.  301 

entirely  to  the  exertions  of  General  Pleasanton. 
Without  detracting  from  his  merits,  or  belittling  of 
the  splendid  fighting  done  by  his  division  at  the 
Big  Blue  on  that  morning ;  it  is  most  emphatically 
true,  that  a  handful  of  volunteer  troops,  and  a  few 
regiments  of  raw  militia,  had,  after  several  hours 
severe  fighting,  defeated  the  divisions  of  Shelby  and 
Marmaduke,  and  that,  when  General  Pleasanton 
moved  up  on  the  left,  General  Curtis  in  the  advance, 
was  steadily  driving  the  foe.  The  arrival  of  the 
Missouri  troops  turned  an  orderly  retreat  into  a 
rout,  and  for  that,  credit  is  due  equally  to  both  com- 
mands. It  is  said  in  the  foregoing,  "  you  (the  Mis- 
souri Division)  routed  their  main  force,  and  by  dark 
had  thrown  them  (the  enemy)  beyond  Little  Santa 
Fe."  As  Gen.  Pleasanton's  Division  formed  on  the 
left,  when  the  troops  deployed  from  line  of  battle 
into  column,  and  the  division  of  General  Blunt  held 
the  right  or  advance,  it  is  not  easy  to  see  how 
General  Pleasanton  could  have  driven  them  "  beyond 
Little  Santa  Fe."  The  truth  is,  that  the  Brigade  of 
Colonel  Jennison,  accompanied  by  a  portion  of  the 
2d  Colorado,  were  far  in  advance  of  the  main  column, 
and  at  night  camped  close  upon  the  enemy's  rear, 
four  miles  beyond  Little  Santa  Fe. 

Again,  a  person  unacquainted  with  the  details  of 
the  campaign,  would  not  suppose,  from  the  foregoing 
order,  that  either  General  Curtis,  or  any  of  the 
troops  under  him,  were  engaged  in  the  pursuit  that 
followed  Westport,  or  aided  in  the  splendid  victories 


302  AllMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

which  were  gathered  by  our  arms  on  the  25th.  Yet 
it  is  true  that  General  Curtis  directed  those  opera- 
tions ;  that  a  portion  of  his  troops  opened  the  ball 
on  the  25th  of  October ;  that  other  portions  partici- 
pated in  the  victorious  charges  at  the  Marias  des 
Cygnes,  Mine  Creek  and  Little  Osage ;  and  that, 
under  his  direction,  those  victories  were  in  a  great 
measure  due  to  the  dash,  courage  and  activity  of  his 
personal  and  volunteer  staff. 

So  it  is,  as  relates  to  the  statement  that  General 
San  born' s  arrival  at  Newtonia,  prevented  the  defeat 
of  General  Blunt.  The  report  of  the  former,  already 
quoted  in  these  pages,  makes  no  such  claim.  Great 
credit  is  due  him  for  the  splendid  march  from  Fort 
Scott,  and  for  his  promptness  on  the  field.  But 
General  Sanborn  did  not  give  the  "  final  blow  to  the 
greatest  cavalry  raid  of  the  war."  The  modest 
report  of  the  subordinate  (Sanborn)  is  in  strange 
contrast  with  the  claim  thus  put  forth  by  General 
Rosecrans. 

In  fine,  the  whole  order  is  an  adroit  specimen  of 
special  pleading.  It  is  of  a  piece  with  other  reports 
etc.,  published  at  St.  Louis,  while  General  Curtis, 
General  Blunt  and  Colonel  Benteen,  were  pursuing 
the  enemy.  It  was  intended  and  designed  to  coun- 
teract a  damaging  effect  on  the  public  mind,  as  to 
the  conduct  of  the  campaign  against  Price,  by  the 
Commander  of  the  Department  of  Missouri,  and  was 
put  forth  to  break  the  force  of  the  implied  censure 
of  his  superiors,  given  in  the  orders  directing 


CENSURE   OF   KOSECEANS.  303 

General  Curtis  to  assume  command  of  all  troops  in 
his  (Rosecrans')  Department,  who  might  be  available 
to  carry  forward  a  pursuit  which  their  immediate 
commanders  had  ordered  to  cease. 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

THE      HOMEWARD      MARCH INCIDENTS RESULTS       OF 

CAMPAIGN. 

ON  the  morning  of  the  9th  of  November,  the  various 
portions  of  the  army  proceeded  homeward,  by 
routes  designated  in  the  order  of  General  Curtis. 

The  General  himself,  accompanied  by  his  staff, 
escort  and  the  2d  Colorado,  marched  to  Fort  Gibson, 
and  thence  northward  to  Fort  Scott,  arriving  there 
on  the  15th  of  the  month.  The  weather  was  very 
cold,  and  the  exhausted  condition  of  the  stock  com- 
pelled all  to  walk  a  large  portion  of  the  route. 
Nothing  of  interest  occurred.  Provisions  were 
exceedingly  scant,  and  the  arrival  in  a  land  of  plenty 
was  gladly  hailed  by  all. 

General  Blunt,  with  the  brigade  of  Colonel  Moon- 
light, moved  to  Fort  Smith.  General  Thayer  in 
command  there,  esteemed  himself  compelled  to  obey 
the  letter  of  his  instructions,  and  not  risk  the  safety 
of  this  important  post  by  weakening  the  garrison ; 
otherwise,  he  would  have  endeavored  to  have 
impeded  Price's  crossing  the  river. 


CHARGE  AGAINST  BLUNT.  305 

The  ford  used  by  the  rebel  army,  is  about  four 
miles  above  the  mouth  of  the  Salisaw,  about  twenty- 
five  miles  from  Gibson  on  the  west,  and  thirty  from 
Smith  on  the  east.  It  was  not  generally  known, 
and  had  only  been  used  hitherto  by  the  Indians. 

Major-General  Herron  being  at  Fort  Smith,  on  a 
visit  of  inspection,  and  determining  to  return  to 
New  Orleans  by  way  of  Leaven  worth  and  St.  Louis, 
General  Blunt  accompanied  him,  moving  to  Fort 
Gibson,  and  thence  North  to  Fort  Scott, 

The  only  incident  of  note  occurred  near  Cabin 
Creek,  six  miles  from  Fort  Gibson,  where,  just 
before  the  appearance  of  the  small  escort  of  the 
Generals,  a  party  of  seven  persons,  officers  and 
others  of  regiments  at  Fort  Smith,  on  their  way  to 
rejoin  their  commands,  were  pursued  and  overpow- 
ered by  a  band  of  guerrillas.  They  were  driven, 
before  being  murdered,  a  short  distance  from  the 
road  traveled  by  the  troops.  As  a  consequence,  the 
bodies  were  not  seen  by  them,  though  traces  of  a 
struggle  were  plainly  visible.  This  was  made  the 
basis  of  a  charge  against  General  Blunt,  of  having 
left  these  bodies  without  burial.  The  charge  called 
forth  a  reply  from  Captain  Hinton,  his  Aide,  pub- 
lished in  the  Conservative,  Leaven  worth,  Kansas, 
which,  as  it  gives  the  facts  in  relation  thereto,  is 
here  inserted.  The  Captain  says : 

"  As  T  happened  to  be  one  among  others  with  General  Blunt,  when  some 
of  our  officers  were  murdered  near  Cabin  Creek,  perhaps  the  matter  may  be 
of  sufficient  public  interest  to  warrant  you  in  givjng  place  to  an  account  of 
the  transaction,  at  least  in  so  far  as  General  Blunt  is  concerned. 

"On  the  19th  of  November,  Major-Generals  Blunt  and  Herron  broke 

38 


306  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

camp  at  Cabin  Creek,  about  7  A.  M.  Some  delay  occurred,  which  caused 
the  lateness  of  the  march.  The  force  with  these  officers  consisted  of  less 
than  one  hundred  and  fifty  men.  about  one  hundred  of  whom  were  General 
Herron's  escort.  Our  animals  were  broken  down  and  half-starved,  and  quite 
a  number  of  the  men  were  afoot.  The  advance  guard  was  from  General 
Herron's  escort,  strangers  to  the  country  and  character  of  the  bushwhackers 
who  infest  the  route. 

"  About  four  miles  north  of  the  stockade  on  Cabin  CreeK,  are  some 
abandoned  buildings,  formerly  used  for  stores,  post-offices,  etc.  To  the  west 
of  the  road  about  two  miles,  is  a  heavy  body  of  timber  on  Cabin  Creek; 
east  of  and  parallel  to  the  road  is  the  timber  of  Grand  River.  On  the  morn- 
ing I  speak  of,  when  about  half  way  between  the  creek  and  the  post-office 
buildings,  a  faint  report  of  small  arms  was  heard  apparently  to  the  left  of 
the  road,  in  the  direction  of  the  timber  spoken  of,  by  the  officers  and  main 
portion  of  the  escort.  Soon  after,  word  was  brought  from  tlie  advance 
guard,  that  a  party  of  about  twenty  men  had  crossed  the  road  north  of  them 
and  in  full  sight,  moving  towards  the  Grand  River  timber.  Of  course  they 
were  believed  to  be  bushwhackers.  By  the  time  our  main  body  had  readied 
the  post-office,  the  bushwhackers  had  gained  the  timber.  The  escort  was 
halted  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  dismounted  men  to  close  up.  Neither 
General  Blunt,  General  Herron,  or  any  officer  of  their  staffs,  was  then 
informed  by  the  non-commissioned  officer  commanding  the  advance  guard, 
of  any  further  bushwhacking  signs,  or  of  any  appearance  of  a  party  having 
been  pursued  by  them.  A  report  was  made  of  two  horses  and  a  mule  being 
found  near  the  road,  with  fresh  saddle  marks  on  them.  These  were  turned 
over  to  three  of  the  dismounted  men. 

"The  escort  moved  on, , passed  the  timber  hills,  three  miles  further,  and 
traveled  at  least  six  miles  before  the  evidences  of  a  party  having  been  pur- 
sued by  the  bushwhackers  were  laid  before  either  of  the  Major-Generals. 
It  was  then  too  late  for  us  to  retrace  our  steps,  even  if  we  had  had  horses 
fit  to  travel. 

"  It  is  an  unmitigated  falsehood  to  say  that  we  passed  in  plain  view  of  the 
bodies  of  our  friends.  No  one  of  our  party  saw  the  bodies  of  our  murdered 
comrades.  On  the  contrary,  there  was  no  visible  evidence  to  General 
Blunt,  or  any  other  officer,  of  any  friend  having  been  there.  Jf  any  one 
was  culpable,  it  was  the  advance  guard  in  not  reporting  the  signs  they  saw. 
These  were  the  evidences  before  alluded  to:  the  finding  of  a  couple  of 
Entield  ritles  (new);  of  a  plain  blue  vest,  bloody,  and  having  a  bullet  hole 
in  the  back,  found  near  the  road  close  to  the  post  office;  an  invoice  of  cloth- 
ing drawn  from  Captain  Insley  by  Captain  Martin  Welsh,  1st  Kansas  Colored 
Volunteers,  bearing  date  Fort  Scott,  Nov.  15 — also  bloody,  and  an  Express 
receipt  dated  at  St.  Louis,  made  out  to  "  Gardner."  supposed  to  be  Chaplain 
Gardner  of  the  13th  Kansas;  of  the  tracks  of  a  light  vehicle  turning  off  the 
road  near  where  the  vest,  &c  ,  were  found;  nor  of  the  signs  of  the  camp  of 
this  party  at  the  Timber  Hills,  seen  just  oft'  the  road  by  some  of  the  advance. 

u  None  of  these  facts  were  made  known  to  General  Blunt,  nor  to  any 
other  officer,  until  after  the  command  had  passed  some  six  miles  north  of 
the  post-office  building,  and  when  it  was  manifestly  improper  to  turn  back 
with  our  small  command  and  broken  down  animals. 

"The  party  consisted  of  Captain  Welsh,  Captain  Thrasher  and  Lieutenant 
Macy,  of  the  1st  Colored  Kansas;  Chaplain  Gardner,  of  the  13th,  and  three 
soldiers  of  Kansas  Regiments,  returning  to  Fort  Smith.  Captain  Thrasher 
and  two  soldiers  escaped;  the  others  were  murdered.  Since  then  the  loyal 
Pin  Indians  have  killed  six  of  the  bushwhackers  who  murde-ed  our  friends." 
******** 


DEATH  OF  MACY  AND  OTHERS.        307 

Captain  Thrasher,  who  escaped,  sent  the  following 
letter  to  the  father  of  Lieutenant  Macy,  which  more 
definitely  gives  the  names  of  the  unfortunate  victims. 
It  corrects  some  mistakes  of  Captain  Hinton : 

FORT  SMITH,  ARKANSAS,  Doc.  15,  1864. 
To  Dr.  E.  G.  Macy,  Bloomington,  Kansas  : 

DOCTOR: — I  have  to  communicate  the  sad  intelligence  of  the  death  of  your 
son,  Lieutenant  E.  L.  Macy.  He  fell  in  a  fight  with  bushwhackers,  six  miles 
north  of  Cabin  Creek,  C.  N.,  on  the  10th  of  November  last.  Our  party  of 
seven — Captain  Welch,  Lieutenant  Macy,  Chaplain  Gardner,  Harbin,  Col- 
lins, citizen  .Tones,  and  myself — were  attacked  by  one  hundred  bushwhack- 
ers. A  desperate  struggle  ensued.  Captain  Welch,  your  son,  and  Harbin, 
&T°  known  to  have  been  killed.  Gardner  was  wounded  and  captured,  and 
was  probably  killed  after  capture.  These  three  fought  like  brave  men, 
and  died  as  became  the  true  soldier. 

Most  truly  your  friend, 

L.   A.  THRASHKR. 

Colonel  Moonlight,  with  his  brigade,  had  been 
left  at  Fort  Smith,  to  prepare  for  the  homeward 
march.  At  Fort  Gibson,  General  Blunt  found  a 
battalion  of  the  Indian  Brigade,  under  Major  Phillips, 
proceeding  to  Cabin  Creek,  for  the  purpose  of 
strengthening  the  escort  of  a  subsistence  train,  then 
expected.  The  garrison  and  Indian  refugees  had 
been  for  some  time  on  quarter  rations,  and  unless 
supplies  soon  arrived  would  be  completely  out. 
General  Gano,  with  a  brigade  of  Texans,  and  Stan 
Waite's  Cherokee  Brigade,  had  kept  our  troops 
cooped  up  at  Gibson,  and  interrupted  communica- 
tions as  it  pleased  them.  A  short  time  before,  a 
train  had  been  attacked  at  Cow  Creek.  Major 
Foreman,  of  the  3rd  Indian  Regiment,  was  then  in 
pursuit  of  the  marauders.  Gano  was  reported  as 
moving  north  of  the  Arkansas  again.  These  reports 
compelled  vigilance  on  the  part  of  troops  traveling 


308  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

north.  The  subsistence  train  was  found  in  the 
vicinity  of  Fort  Scott,  just  moving  out.  Colonel 
Moonlight,  who  was  several  days  behind  General 
Blunt,  met  it  at  the  Neosho,  and,  under  orders  from 
General  Curtis,  turned  back  to  Cabin  Creek,  acting 
as  escort  until  it  was  beyond  danger.  He  then 
resumed  his  march  to  Paola,  where  the  2d  Brigade 
arrived  early  in  December.  General  Blunt  reached 
Fort  Scott  about  November  20th. 

Colonel  Jenuison,  with  his  own  Brigade,  the  16th 
Kansas,  and  the  Brigade  of  Colonel  Benteen,  moved 
by  way  of  Cane  Hill,  Fayetteville  and  Bentonville. 
In  his  published  report  he  gives  this  account  of  his 
return  march,  which,  as  presenting  one  view  thereof, 
is  here  inserted : 

"In  this  camp,  November  8th,  was  received  the  order  of  the  General 
commanding,  dissolving  the  Army  of  the  Border,  and  attaching  to  it  the  1st 
Brigade  for  the  homeward  march,  the  16th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  1st 
Colorado  and  9th  Wisconsin  Batteries,  with  nearly  the  entire  transportation 
o'f  the  army,  and  in  pursuance  of  which  order  the  brigade,  on  the  morning 
of  the  9th,  took  up  its  return  line  of  march,  proceeding  very  slowly,  how- 
ever, on  account  of  the  nature  of  the  roads,  rendered  almost  impassable  by 
the  frequent  rains  experienced  for  several  days  previous,  and  continuing 
after  our  arrival  at  the  river. 

1 '  From  the  difficulty  of  procuring  forage,  and  the  total  exhaustion  of 
rations,  the  march  northward  was  necessarily  very  much  retarded,  it 
requiring  eight  days  to  reach  Fayetteville,  which  post  we  reached  on  the 
16th  of  November. 

''But  before  proceeding  farther,  it  becomes  my  most  painful  duty  to 
record  the  loss  of  two  of  the  most  efficient  and  faithful  officers  of  my  com- 
mand— Captain  Ordoff  Norton,  Company  L,  15th  Kansas  Cavalry,  and  First 
Lieutenant  Emmit  Goss,  Company  M,  15th  Kansas  Cavalry,  who  were 
undoubtedly  killed  while  in  charge  of  foraging  parties  in  the  vicinity  of  Cane 
Hill,  on  the  12th  of  November,  as  all  search  for  them  has  proven  fruitless, 
and  when  last  heard  from  they  were  closely  pursued  by  a  large  force  o. 
guerrillas,  said  to  be  under  command  of  "Lieutenant  Incks,  C.  S.  A." 
Always  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties,  never  hesitating  in  the 
execution  of  any  order,  however  hazardous,  Captain  Norton  and  Lieutenant 
Goss  had  endeared  themselves  to  the  entire  command,  by  their  uniform 
kindness  and  affability  towards  all.  Their  loss  is  one  which  can  be  illy  sus- 
tained by  the  regiment,  and  their  memory  will  ever  be  cherished  by  all 
whose  good  fortune  it  was  to  be  associated  with  them. 


DISMISSAL    OF   OFFICERS,    ETC.  309 

11  On  the  same  day  (12th)  First  Lieutenant  J.  J.  Smith,  commanding  Com- 
pany E,  15th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  in  charge  of  another  party,  was 
attacked  by  an  overwhelming  force  of  bushwhackers,  and  in  the  fight 
which  ensued,  Lieutenant  Smith  was  very  seriously,  if  not  fatally  wounded, 
he  having  been  left  in  a  critical  situation  at  the  hospital  in  Fayetteville, 
Arkansas.  He  was  struck  in  the  back  and  thigh,  the  former  shot  going 
through  the  body  and  coming  out  below  the  left  breast.  The  latter  was  a 
severe  and  painful  flesh  wound.  Lieut.  Smith  will  probably  be  permanently 
disabled  for  active  service,  if  indeed  he  recovers  from  the  effects  of  his 
wounds  at  all.  I  take  pleasure,  however,  in  mentioning  him  here  as  one  of 
the  most  deserving  officers  of  the  loth  regiment,  and  one  whose  determined 
bravery,  throughout  the  several  actions  in  which  the  brigade  was  engaged, 
entitle  him  to  the  highest  praise. 

"  Leaving  Fayetteville,  we  continued  the  march  northward  through  Keits- 
ville  and  Bentonville,  Arkansas  and  Sarcoxie,  and  Lamar,  Missouri,  arriving 
at  this  post  on  Wednesday  P.  M.,  the  23rd  of  November,  1864,  having 
marched,  since  leaving  Hickman's  Mills,  on  the  16th  day  of  October,  about 
twelve  hundred  miles,  during  the  most  inclement  season  of  the  year,  without 
adequate  transportation  or  supplies,  subsisting  mainly  upon  the  country 
through  which  we  passed.  The  loss  in  horses  has  been  heavy,  owing  to  the 
want  of  proper  care  and  forage,  and  the  exposure  to  which  they  have  been 
subjected,  as  well  as  the  numbers  killed  or  wounded  in  action,  all  of  which 
loss  will,  of  course,  be  properly  accounted  for  in  the  various  returns  to  the 
respective  departments  entitled  to  receive  them.  Government  property  of 
other  kinds  has  been  abandoned  from  the  absolute  impossibility  of  trans- 
portation, which  will  also  be  fully  explained  in  the  proper  manner.1' 

Out  of  the  conduct  of  the  troops,  or  a  portion  of 
them,  on  this  march  has  grown  a  series  of  accusa- 
tions, resulting  in  the  court-martialing  and  dismissal 
of  several  officers  of  the  15th  Kansas  Cavalry,  among 
them  being  the  Colonel  himself.  The  charges  were 
made  not  only  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  section 
through  which  they  passed,  but  by  some  of  the  best 
officers  serving  in  the  Department  of  Kansas.  The 
charges  made  involved  killing  of  prisoners,  robbery 
of  non-combatants,  general  burning,  destruction  and 
spoliation  of  property. 

A  communication  in  the  Arkansas  Journal,  a 
radical  and  loyal  paper  published  at  Little  Rock,  the 
organ  of  the  Free  State  Government,  says,  under 
date  of  June  7th,  1865,  of  the  condition  of  affairs  in 


310  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

NortL  western  Arkansas,   and  of  the   actions  thus 
charged.     The  italics  are  not  in  the  original : 

"After  the  defeat  of  Fagan  at  Fayetteville,  on  the  3rd  of  November  last, 
and  the  retreat  of  the  rebel  army  south  of  the  Arkansas  river,  large  num- 
bers of  union  people  who  had,  during  the  fall  campaign,  fled  to  that  post  for 
protection  against  rebel  persecution,  were  left  entirely  destitute  of  the  means 
of  support,  and  the  long  continued  investment  of  the  place,  and  the  subse- 
quent almost  impassable  condition  of  the  roads,  had  rendered  it  impossible 
for  the  government  to  keep  up  a  sufficient  supply  of  subsistence  stores  to  feed 
both  troops  and  citizens.  In  addition  to  this,  the  order  for  the  abandonment 
of  Western  Arkansas  in  December  last,  caused  for  a  time  the  stopping  of 
southward  bound  trains,  and  prevented  the  importation  of  provisions  by 
citizens. 

"For  the  three  months  of  August,  September  and  October,  1864,  the 
presence  in  the  country  of  an  average  number  of  fifteen  hundred  well 
mounted  rebels,  under  command  of  Colonel  W.  Vl.  Brooks  and  Major  W.  M. 
Brown,  commonly  known  as  "Buck  Brown,  the  bushwhacker;"  and,  during 
the  last  two  weeks  of  October,  of  fifteen  thousand  men  under  Sterling  Price; 
then  for  nearly  the  whole  month  of  November,  the  ' '  Army  of  the  Border, ' 
under  command  of  Major  General  Curtis,  caused  a  destitution  among  the 
people  almost  unknown  in  the  annals  of  history.  On  the  return  of  Jennison's 
15</t  Kansas  Cavalry  through  Washington  and  Benton  Counties,  they  plundered 
the  citizens  indiscriminately  of  the  last  vestige  of  moveable  property  that  had  been 
spared  by  all  previous  gangs  of  thieves,  and  lighted  their  disgraceful  march  home- 
ward, by  the  burning  dwellings  of  the  peaceful  citizens,  whom  they  had  ntade  out- 
casts and  beggars  in  their  own  country.  And  to-day,  the  blackened  chimneys 
that  mark  the  burial  ground  of  all  that  was  dear  to  hundreds  of  once  happy 
families  in  Northwestern  Arkansas,  are  appropriately  termed  'Jennison's 
tombstones.'  " 

It  is  to  be  deplored  that  such  acts  should  have 
tarnished  a  fame  so  fairly  and  honorably  won  on  the 
field.  But  there  are  men  who  mistake  passion  for 
principle ;  who,  animated  by  revenge,  believe  them- 
selves the  instruments  of  retributive  justice ;  and 
whose  mode  of  conducting  war  will  always  degene- 
rate into  pillage  and  cruelty,  leading  after  them  the 
baser  mass  who  make  no  pretence  whatever. 

With  the  return  of  Colonel  Jennison's  command 
to  their  stations,  the  campaign  was  completely  closed. 
After  forty  days  in  the  saddle,  making  almost 
unequalled  marches  of  over  one  thousand  miles  in  all; 
fighting  battles  and  winning  victories  against  a  foe 


CLOSE    OF   TILE    CAMPAIGN.  311 

outnumbering  us  largely  ;  bringing  about  their  com- 
plete and  overwhelming  defeat ;  following  them 
through  an  impoverished  and  destitute  country  for 
several  hundred  miles;  allowing  them  no  time  to 
recover  or  recuperate  their  exhausted  strength  ;  sav- 
ing by  these  rapid  and  daring  movements  our  exposed 
garrisons  in  Western  Arkansas  and  the  Indian  Terri- 
tory. This,  as  well  as  the  earlier  portion  of  the  same 
extraordinary  campaign,  when  an  army  was  organized 
out  of  raw  militifc,,  presenting  the  spectacle  of  the 
business  of  a  whole  State  being  suspended,  and 
every  male  person  capable  of  doing  so,  flying  to 
arms  to  defend  their  homes  from  invasion  and  spoila- 
tion.  In  whatever  light  we  look  at  the  campaign, 
to  the  history  of  which  these  pages  have  been 
devoted,  its  claim  to  be  considered  one  of  the  more 
daring  and  vigorously  executed  of  the  war  cannot 
be  contested  by  any  who  may  be  cognizant  of  the 
extraordinary  facts  thereof. 

Great  and  disastrous  as  was  the  rebel  defeat,  yet 
none  can  deny  admiration  to  the  rebel  leader,  for 
the  splendid  manner  in  which  the  earlier  portion  of 
his  great  raid  was  conducted,  nor  for  the  endurance 
and  energy  displayed  by  him  in  his  hardly  pressed 
retreat.  The  sufferings  of  his  troops  must  have 
been  frightful.  Success  gilds  all  mistakes ;  misfor- 
tunes and  defeats  dim  the  lustre  of  the  most  brilliant 
career.  General  Price  was  no  exception  to  these 
rules.  On  arrival  in  Texas,  the  mortification  and 
chagrin,  natural  to  men  so  utterly  defeated,  broke 


312  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

out  in  crimination  and  recrimination  against  their 
commander.  Portions  of  a  very  bitter  correspond- 
ence between  him  and  the  perambulative  rebel 
claimant  for  the  governorship  of  Missouri,  Tom 
Reynolds,  found  their  way  into  Northern  newspapers. 
It  also  appeared  that  at  the  time  our  officers  were  at 
Shreeveport,  La.,  discussing  terms  of  surrender  with 
Kirby  Smith,  that  General  Price  was  then  in  arrest 
and  being  tried  by  court  martial  for  the  issue  of 
his  campaign.  So  completely  demoralized  were 
portions  of  the  rebel  command,  that  it  was  found 
necessary  to  remove  the  Missouri  cavalry  into  the 
interior  of  Texas  to  prevent  their  complete  disband- 
ment  by  desertion  and  mutiny. 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 

GENERAL  OEDERS  AND  CONGRATULATIONS. 

COLONEL  JENNISON,  on  his  return,  issued  the  follow- 
ing congratulatory  general  order.  Its  modesty  is 
as  remarkable  as  its  length  : 

HEAD-QUARTEUS,  JENNISON'S  BRIGADE,  ) 

IN  THE  FIELD,  FORT  SCOTT,  KANSAS,  Nov.  23.  1864.  J 

GENERAL  FIELD  ORDERS,  ) 
No.  3.  J 

I.  In  obedience  to  orders  from  the  Major-General  Commanding,  the  First 
Brigade,  Army  of  the  Border,  is  hereby  dissolved;  and  the  different  regi- 
ments, battalions,  detachments  or  batteries  thereof,  will  proceed  to  their 
respective  stations  as  elsewhere  specified.  In  dissolving  the  Brigade,  how- 
ever, and  relinquishing  his  connection  with  it  as  a  Brigade,  the  Colonel 
Commanding  desires  to  express  to  one  and  all  his  thanks  for  the  undivided 
support  and  cordial  co-operation  afforded  him  during  the  entire  campaign 
recently  closed — one  of  the  most  arduous  and  extensive  yet  undertaken  since 
the  opening  of  the  war.  Where  all  have  sustained  themselves  so  gallantly 
in  the  field,  the  Colonel  Commanding  feels  that  it  would  be  injustice  to  par- 
ticularize, and  he  can  therefore  only  award  the  fullest  meed  of  praise  to  all 
under  his  command. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  brigade  at  Hickman's  Mills,  Mo.,  on  the  15th 
of  October,  you  have  marched  over  one  thousand  miles,  suffering  all  the 
privations  incidental  to  a  soldier's  life;  many  of  you  on  foot,  without  ade- 
quate clothing,  blankets  or  commissary  supplies,  and  yet  no  complaints  were 
uttered;  and  whether  in  bivouac  on  the  summit  of  the  Boston  mountains,  or 
encountering  an  enemy  your  superior  in  numbers  ten  fold,  it  can  still  be  said 
that  the  First  Brigade  was  the  same  hardy,  uncomplaining  organization. 

On  the  16th  of  October,  we  left  Hickman's  Mills,  Mo.,  marching  towards 
Warrensburg,  west  of  which,  however,  our  direction  was  changed  to  Lex- 
ington, where  we  arrived  on  the  18th.  The  succeeding  day  we  were 
attacked  by  the  full  force  of  the  enemy,  estimated  at  26,000.  We  held  our 
position  until  the  entire  rebel  army  was  developed,  when,  overwhelmed  by 
rapidly  advancing  numbers,  we  were  compelled  to  fall  back  toward  Inde- 
pendence, which  movement  was  executed  without  the  least  confusion.  To 
the  First  Brigade,  then,  is  due  the  credit  of  having  first  engaged  the  rebel 
army  under  General  Price  in  Central  Missouri. 

39 


314  ARMY   OF   THE    BORDER. 

On  the  21st,  the  brigade  again  encountered  the  enemy  at  the  Little  Blue, 
in  conjunction  with  the  brigades  of  Colonels  Ford  and  Moonlight,  where 
was  fought  one  of  the  most  stubborn  engagements  of  the  campaign,  as  the 
list  of  casualties  will  show.  Falling  back  from  this  position  through  Inde- 
pendence, we  again  met  the  enemy  at  Byrom's  crossing  of  the  Big  Blue, 
felling  timber  and  obstructing  his  crossing  for  one  entire  day.  with  the  First 
Brigade  alone.  Being  compelled  by  force  of  opposing  numbers  to  abandon 
this  position,  and  closely  followed  by  the  rebels,  we  retreated  slowly  in  the 
direction  of  Westport;  meeting  Shelby's  Division  of  the  rebel  army  on 
the  prairie  at  the  State  line,  below  Westport,  where  the  First  Brigade 
held  in  check,  and  dually  routed,  a  force  five  times  its  number,  driving 
them  some  four  miles  into  the  timber  of  the  Blue.  In  this  action,  however, 
the  brigade  of  Colonel  Moonliglit  took  part,  as  did  a  portion  of  the  Kansas 
State  Militia.  This  action,  more  than  any  other,  established  the  reputation 
of  the  Brigade  for  cool  and  determined  courage,  as  it  was  fought  at  short 
range  and  entirely  with  small  arms,  the  howitzers  riot  being  brought  into 
action.  This  check,  so  unexpected  to  the  enemy,  prevented,  in  the  estima- 
tion of  all,  Shelby's  raid  into  Kansas;  as  he  was  compelled  to  fall  back  to 
the  main  army  for  the  night. 

On  the  morning  of  the  23rd,  the  brigade,  numbering  scarcely  six  hundred 
men,  was  early  aroused  and  prepared  for  the  crowning  battle  of  the  cam- 
paign— the  complete  and  total  rout  of  Price  at  Westport — for  which  we  owe 
so  much  to  our  gallant  comrades  of  General  Pleasanton's  Division.  Our 
prospects  were  gloomy,  it  must  be  owned,  until  the  white  smoke  puffs  at 
our  left  gave  evidence  that  the  expected  assistance  had  arrived;  and  then, 
with  a  courage  that  had  ennobled  it  throughout  the  campaign,  the  First 
Brigade  charged  down  the  slopes.  But  through  a  campaign  so  extensive — 
a  march  covering  so  many  miles — it  is  impossible  to  remember  details,  or  to 
recount  individual  acts  of  daring  on  the  field;  but  the  Colonel  Commanding 
is  proud  to  report  that  he  will  ever  remember  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
First  Brisrade,  with  feelings  of  gratitude  and  affection. 

Then  followed  the  battles  of  Little  Santa  Fe  and  Npwtonia.  in  the  former 
of  which  only  a  portion  of  the  brigade  WHS  engaged,  and  which  may  per- 
haps be  termed  a  mere  desultory  skirmish,  in  comparison  to  others  preceding 
and  subsequent.  On  the  28th,  we  came  up  with  the  rear  of  the  rebel  force 
at  Nevvtonia,  the  main  command  having  pushed  into  the  timber  south  arid 
west  of  the  town;  but  the  entire  force  was  within  easy  supporting  distance. 
Then  the  First  Brigade,  supported  by  the  1st  Colorado  Battery,  and  Colonel 
Ford's  Brigade,  engaged  a  force  at  least  20,000,  while  the  total  opposing 
army  did  not  number  eight  hundred!  Newtonia!  at  the  third  battle  fought 
on  that  almost  storied  ground,  the  twin  Regiments  of  the  West — Colorado 
and  Kansas — acquitted  themselves,  as  the  General  Commanding  justly 
remarks,  "  with  a  courage  and  heroism  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  the 
war. ' ' 

On  the  march  thenceforth  to  the  Arkansas  River,  and  the  return,  it  is 
needless  to  speak  at  length;  but  the  result  is  before  us  all.  We  have  assisted 
in  the  defeat  and  total  rout  of  a  rebel  army,  estimated  at  30,000  strong,  and 
we  have  been  among  those  who  stood  on  the  Arkansas,  across  which  had  so 
recently  passed  the  disorganized  and  demoralized  remnant  of  the  most  for- 
midable army  that  ever  attempted  the  invasion  of  Kansas.  The  nation  appre- 
ciates your  courage,  and  rejoices  in  the  result  of  your  heroic  labors.  Many 
of  our  comrades  have  fallen — some  amid  the  roar  and  crash  of  battle — and 
others  by  the  steady  and  ambushed  rifle  of  the  licensed  banditti,  who  infest 
the  Southern  country.  The  former  have  nobly  fallen;  the  latter  were 
brutally  murdered  by  those  who  outrage  all  laws  of  civilized  warfare,  and 
transform  the  soldier  into  the  assassin.  Among  the  victims  of  the  latter,  are 


CONGRATULATORY    ORDERS.  315 

Orloff  Norton,  Captain  Commanding  Compaay  L,  15th  K.  V.  C.,  Emmett 
Goss,  1st  Lieutenant  Company  M,  loth  K.  V.  C.,  and  J.  T.  Smith,  1st 
Lieutenant  Commanding  Company  E,  K.  V.  C.  The  two  former  have  never 
been  heard  from,  and  it  is  hardly  to  be  supposed  they  have  escaped.  The 
latter  lies  dangerously  wounded  at  Fayetteville,  Arkansas.  Thus  three 
among  the  bravest  officers  of  the  regiment  have  been  lost  to  it;  and  after 
,  having  stood  m  the  fore  front  of  every  action,  are  to  be  recorded  as  killed 
or  wounded  by  bushwhackers. 

II.  To  Captain  J.   F.   Broadhead,   of  Mound  City,  and    Dr.    Dubois,   of 
Leavenworth,    Volunteer   Aids   on  his   staff,   the   Colonel   Commanding  is 
greatly  indebted   for   their  efficient  action  and  fearless  discharge  of  duties 
which  devolved  upon  them.     To  Dr.  Dubois,  especially,  at  the  battle  on  the 
State  Line,  the  Colonel  Commanding  would  accord  particular  praise  for  his 
coolness  and  determination  on  the  field. 

III.  In  compliance  with  General  Field  Orders  No.  6,  dated  Head-quar- 
ters, 1st  Division,  Army  of  the  Border,  camp  on  Arkansas  River,  November 
8th,  1864,  the  troops  comprising  the  First  Brigade,  are  authorized  to  inscribe 
upon  their  banners,  Lexington.  Little  Blue,  Big  Blue,   Westport  and  Ntwtonia. 

IV.  At  the  disbanding  of  the  division,  on  the  Arkansas  River,  the  16th 
Kansas  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Major  Ketner,  the  1st  Colorado  Independent 
Battery,  commanded  by  Captain   McLain,  and  the  9th  Wisconsin    Battery, 
commanded  by  Captain  Dodge,  were  attached  to  the  brigade  for  the  return 
march.      To  each  of  these,   the  Colonel  Commanding  tenders   his  hearty 
thanks  for  the  very  able  and  soldierly  manner  in  which  they  have  sustained 
their  commands  during  the  tedious  marches  of  the  return. 

V.  The  Colonel  Commanding,  deems  it  unnecessary  in  a  general  order  to 
particularize,  as  the  details  of  the  campaign  will  be  set  forth  in  the  Brigade 
reports  to  the  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  as  soon  as  the  various  reports 
from  subordinate  commanders  are  received. 

By  order  of  COLONEL  JENNISON: 

JOS.  MACKLE, 

Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  General,  1st  Brigade,  1st  Division,  Army  of  the 
Border. 

Colonel  Moonlight,  commanding  the  2d  Brigade, 
also  issued  a  field  order,  in  congratulation  to  his 
command,  which  is  here  inserted  : 

HEAD- QUARTERS,  SECOND  BRIGADE,  FIRST  DIVISION,  } 

ARMY  OF  THE  BORDER,  \ 

PAOLA,  KANSAS,  December  15,  1864.      ) 

GENERAL  FIELD  ORDER, 
No.  2. 

The  brigade  has  been  dissolved  by  your  late  Division  Commander,  Major- 
General  James  G.  Blunt,  now  commanding  District  of  South  Kansas,  and 
the  companies  will  again  resume  the  stations  occupied  by  them  prior  to  the 
late  campaign. 

When  Price,  with  a  well  organized  army,  found  his  way  into  Missouri, 
and  threatened  the  border  of  Kansas,  the  2d  Brigade  was  the  first  to  rally- to 
the  ''Battle  Cry  of  Freedom,'1  and  beard  the  lion  in  his  den.  It  was  you 
that  led  the  advance  and  captured  Lexington  on  the  18th  of  October,  by  a 
dashing  charge  of  eight  miles,  killing  in  the  very  streets  several  bushwhack- 
ers (then  holding  the  town  awaiting  Price's  advance)  wounding  a  few  and 


316  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

capturing  a  number  of  prisoners.  It  was  you  who  bore  the  brunt  of  the 
battle  of  Lexington  on  the  following  day,  and  by  your  determined  will  and 
indomitable  courage,  was  the  enemy  held  at  bay,  until  his  entire  force  was 
developed,  and  the  eyes  of  the  blind  opened  to  the  danger  then  threatening 
your  young  State.  To  you  was  assigned  the  duty  of  covering  the  retreat — 
and  nobly  was  it  done.  Long  after  dark  did  you  contest  every  inch  of 
ground.  Stand  after  stand  was  made  for  miles,  and  while  the  cry  was 
u  r  till  they  come,"  your  front  remained  unbroken  and  your  courage  una- 
bated. The  battle  of  the  Little  Blue  on  the  2 1st  was  certainly  no  less  yours 
than  that  of  Lexington.  The  2d  Brigade  began  the  fight,  having  been  left  to 
meet  the  advancing  enemy.  The  2d  Brigade  maintained  the  fight  and  held 
their  ground  for  several  hours,  part  of  the  time  with  not  twenty  rounds  of 
ammunition  throughout,  while  cheer  after  cheer  rent  the  air,  for  the  purpose 
of  blinding  the  enemy  and  bidding  defiance  to  rebellion.  The  2d  Brigade 
again  covered  the  retreat  on  the  evening  of  this  day,  battling  with  the 
enemy  in  the  very  streets  of  Independence  until  darkness  put  an  end  to  the 
strife. 

You  participated  in  the  fight  on  Big  Blue,  and  Kansas  owes  her  safety  to 
your  gallantry  and  devotion,  combined  with  that  of  the  1st  Brigade,  when 
you  forced  back  the  invading  enemy  on  that  memorable  night,  and  compelled 
them  to  revere  the  very  soil  of  Freedom  and  the  institution  against  which 
they  were  fighting;  nor  were  you  found  wanting  on  the  morrow,  for  the  dawn 
of  day  found  you  in  the  saddle  prepared  to  renew  the  unequal  contest.  To 
you  was  assigned  the  right  of  the  line  of  battle,  and  could  you  have  been 
properly  supported,  when  you  drove  the  enemy  back  foot  by  foot,  for  over 
a  mile,  the  battle  field  would  assuredly  then  have  been  ours.  When  the 
enemy  retreated,  the  2d  Brigade  was  on  the  right  flank,  and  at  Little  Santa 
Fe  compelled  him  to  abandon  his  purpose  of  marching  south  through  Kan- 
sas. At  Cold  Water  Grove  the  enemy  again  felt  your  presence,  and  after  a 
continuous  march  of  sixty-five  miles,  you  arrived  in  tame  to  save  Mound  City 
from  ruin  and  her  inhabitants  from  destruction.  While  the  enemy  was  being 
scattered  "like  chaff  before  the  wind"  by  our  pursuing  forces  at  the  Mar;as 
des  Cygnes,  you  were  whipping  in  the  vandal  flankers  on  the  right,  and 
while  the  battle  of  the  Osage  was  raging,  the  2d  Brigade  was  forcing  its 
way  to  Fort  Scott.  At  Fort  Lincoln,  the  enemy  denied  you  a  passage,  and 
by  sheer  force  of  numbers  you  were  compelled  to  march  to  Fort  Scott  by  a 
circuitous  route,  having  made  thirty-five  miles  in  five  hours,  including  an 
hour's  fight  at  Fort  Lincoln.  Fort  Scott  was  saved.  The  enemy  was 
whipped,  and  for  the  first  time  in  ten  days  you  were  reluctantly  permitted 
to  refresh  yourselves  in  a  sweet  sleep  of  victory.  It  was  not  your  fault  that 
you  did  not  participate  in  the  battle  of  Newtonia.  as  instructions  had  been 
received  to  await  rations  then  forty-eight  hours  due.  You  participated  in 
the  pursuit  of  Price  until  he  crossed  the  Arkansas  River,  returning  to  your 
present  stations  via  Fort  Smith. 

In  two  months  you  have  marched  over  twelve  hundred  miles,  repeatedly 
engaged  an  enemy  ten  times  your  number  with  varied  success.  You  have 
endured  hardships  of  no  ordinary  magnitude;  braved  dangers  in  every  shape, 
and  still  you  are  the  same  uncomplaining,  devoted  patriots;  uniformly  obe- 
dient, and  consistently  careful  of  the  interests  of  the  Government  and  her 
loyal  supporters.  To  you  the  country  is  indebted;  of  you  the  State  of 
Kansas  feels  proud;  guard  well  her  interest  in  your  new  yet  old  positions  on 
the  border.  Many  gallant  comrades  have  fallen  during  the  struggle,  and 
"  sleep  the  sleep  that  knows  no  waking;"  and  while  we  mourn  the  departed 
heroes,  let  us  nerve  ourselves  to  deeds  of  still  greater  daring,  remembering 
that  rebellion  still  lives,  and  that  Freedom  knows  no  conqneror. 

To  my  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant- General,  Lieutenant  I.  I.  Taber,  Regi 


LETTER   OF   THANKS.  317 

mental  Adjutant  llth  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  I  cannot  give  too  much 
praise.  He  was  my  only  staff  officer  throughout  the  entire  campaign, 
and  performed  the  duties  of  three  officers,  never  faltering,  ever  ready  and 
devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  brigade.  Other  officers  and  men  deserve 
special  mention,  which  is  carefully  made  in  my  report. 

THOS.  MOONLIGHT, 
Colonel  llth  Kansas  Cavalry,  Commanding. 
IRA  I.  TABER,  1st  Lieutenant  and  A.  A.  A.  General. 

Colonel  James  H.  Ford,  2d  Colorado  Cavalry, 
with  the  modesty  that  marks  his  character  and  dis- 
tinguishes the  true  soldier,  did  not  indulge  in  this 
luxury.  The  Governor  of  Colorado,  however,  paid 
to  the  troops  from  that  Territory,  the  following 
handsome  and  well-deserved  compliment : 

LETTER   OF    THANKS. 

EXECUTIVE  DEPARTMENT,  COLORADO  TERRITORY,  ) 
Denver,  December  2.  1864.       ) 

To  the  Officers  and  Men  of  Ihe  Second  Regiment  of  Colorado  Cavalry,  and  the 
First  Colorado  Battery : 

I  thank  you  in  behalf  of  our  common  country,  and  especially  of  your 
fellow-citizens  of  Colorado  Territory,  who  have  heard  with  pride  and  plea- 
sure, the  report  of  your  gallant  and  heroic  conduct  in  the  late  and  bloody 
battles  with  the  rebel  hosts  under  Price. 

While  our  citizens  mourn  the  loss  of  friends  fallen  nobly  con'endtng  for 
their  country's  honor,  every  patriotic  heart  rejoices  that  victory  perched 
upon  your  banner. 

The  hopes,  the  prayers  and  benedictions  of  those  you  have  left  behind 
you  will  follow  you,  and  when  you  return  from  the  field,  their  gratitude  will 
prove  that  the  defenders  of  their  country  shall  receive  the  honors  of  their 
countrymen.  JOHN  EVANS, 

Governor  Colorado  Territory. 

At  Department  head-quarters,  a  special  order  was 
issued,  relieving  Sergeant  Spencer  P.  Wade,  Com- 
pany "  E,"  1 1th  K.  V.  C.,  who  with  a  detachment 
had  been  placed  on  the  steamers  "  Emile"  and  "  U. 
S.  Grant,"  while  they  were  employed  in  the  military 
service  as  patrol  boats.  The  last  paragraph  thus 
honorably  speaks  of  Sergeant  Wade : 

"  In  relieving  Sergeant  Wade  from  the  important  duty  assigned  him,  the 
General  Commanding  takes  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  soldierly  conduct 


318  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

and  efficient  manner  in  which  he  and  the  men  under  his  control  have  dis- 
charged their  trust,  and  sincerely  hopes  their  example  may  actuate  others 
to  the  discharge  of  their  duties  in  the  same  laudable  manner. 
u  BY  COMMAND  OF  MAJOR-GENERAL  CURTIS: 

"JOHN  WILLIAMS,  A.  A.  G." 

The  following  deserved  tribute  to  a  member  of 
the  once  "  despised  and  rejected  race,"  is  worthy  a 
place  here : 

HEAD- QUARTERS,  FORT  SCOTT,  KANSAS,  ) 
November  18,  1864.       J 

Lieutenant  W.  D.  MATTHEWS,  Colored  Light  Artillery.  Fort  Scott,  Kansas  : 

SIR: — On  leaving  this  post,  pursuant  to  orders  from  Department  Head- 
quarters, I  desire  to  express  to  you  my  sincere  thanks  for  the  patient 
industry  and  skill,  with  which  you  have  discharged  your  various  duties 
since  I  placed  you  on  duty,  to  assist  in  preparing  the  post  for  a  vigorous 
defence  against  the  probable  attack  of  the  enemy. 

You  have  been  a  modol  of  proper  discipline  and  subordination,  strictly 
attentive  to  duty,  promptly  obedient  to  orders,  and  acting  with  a  wise  dis- 
cretion in  all  matters  requiring  the  exercise  of  your  individual  judgment. 
Trusting  that  you  may  be  successful  in  the  service,  and  in  life,  I  am 
Very  respectfully  yours, 

CHAS.  W.   BLAIR, 

Colonel  Commanding  Post. 

We  close  with  the  order  of  General  Blunt, 
relieving  the  Volunteer  Aides  who  served  upon  the 
Division  Staff: 

HEAD-QUARTERS,  FIRST  DIVISION,  ) 

ARMY  OF  THE  BORDER,          I 

In  the  Field,  Fort  Scott,  Nov.  22d,  1864.      ) 

GENERAL  ORDER,  ) 
No.  1.  J 

I.  The  campaign  against  the  rebel  forces  uuder  General  Price,  having 
successfully  terminated,  the  following  named  persons,  Volunteer  Aides  on 
the  Staff  of  the  Commanding  General,  announced  in  General  Field  Orders, 
No.  5,  are  hereby  relieved  from  further  duty: 

Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  T.  Burris,  late  of  the  10th  Regiment  Kansas  Volun- 
teers. 

Major  Thomas  H.  Penny,  late  of  the  35th  Missouri  Volunteers. 
Major  R.  G.  Ward,  1st  Regiment  Kansas  Colored  Volunteers. 
Captain  A.  J.  Shannon,  Provost  Marshal  District  South  Kansas. 
Captain  T.  E.  Milhoan,  late  of  the  10th  Regiment  Kansas  Volunteers. 

II.  In  taking  leave,   the   General   Commanding  desires  to   express   his 
gratitude  to  these  officers,  for  their  valuable  services  and  uniform  gallant 
conduct. 

III.  Company  E,  14th  Kansas  Volunteers,  under  command  of  Lieutenant 


RETURN'S  OF  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED.  819 

W.  B.  Clark,  detailed  as  escort  to  the  Commanding  General  on  the  22d  of 
October,  are  deserving  of  especial  mention  for  their  gallantry  in  the  battles 
of  the  23rd  and  28th.  They  will  inscribe  on  their  guidon  "  Westport"  and 
' '  Newtonia. ' ' 

BY  COMMAND  OF   MAJOR-GENERAL  BLUNT: 

GEO.  S.  HAMTON,  A.  A.  General. 

The  returns  from  the  medical  officers  of  the  army 
(which  do  not  show  the  militia  who  fell,  the  large 
number  who  were  but  slightly  wounded,  and  many 
who  were  allowed  to  proceed  to  their  homes  for 
attendance  and  care)  give  the  following  as  our  loss : 
Killed,  seventy-five ;  wounded,  one  hundred  and 
seventy-three ;  three  died  in  hospital ;  total,  two 
hundred  and  fifty-one.  Missing  (probably  bush- 
whacked) six  ;  prisoners,  one  hundred  and  twenty. 
The  total  loss  with  the  militia  will  be  about  five 
hundred. 

General  Pleasanton  reports,  three  hundred  and 
sixty  wounded  in  hospital,  and  about  one  hundred 
killed,  in  all  four  hundred  and  sixty.  Our  entire 
loss,  resulting  from  casualties  of  battle,  exposure, 
bushwhacking,  <fec.,  would  thus  not  exceed  one 
thousand  men. 


APPENDIX 


40 


n    fttcmorium. 


How  sleep  the  brave  who  sink  to  rest, 
By  all  their  country's  wishes  blessed  1 
By  fairy  hands  their  knell  is  rung; 
By  forms  unseen  their  dirge  is  sung; 
There  Honor  comes  a  pilgrim  gray, 
To  bless  the  turf  that  wraps  their  clay; 
And  Freedom  shall  awhile  repair, 
To  dwell  a  weeping  hermit  there. 

—  William  Collins,  1146. 


We  live  in  deeds,  not  years;  in  thoughts,  not  breaths; 
In  feelings,  not  in  figures  on  a  dial. 
We  should  count  time  by  heart-throbs.     He  most  lives 
Who  thinks  most,  feels  the  noblest,  acts  the  best. 

— Philip  James  Bailey. 


APPENDIX. 


HORATIO  KNOWLES,  of  Marmaton,  Bourbon  County,  Kansas,  was  murdered 
October  23rd,  by  a  gang  of  guerrillas,  under  command  of  Major  S.  Piercy, 
formerly  of  Missouri,  who  attacked  the  town. 

Mr.  Knowles  had  just  resigned  his  commission  as  Lieutenant-Colonel  of 
the  2d  Regiment  Kansas  Colored  Volunteer  Infantry  (Colonel  S.  J.  Crawford) 
owing  to  ill  health,  and  returned  to  his  home  in  Kansas,  and  commenced  busi- 
ness as  a  merchant.  He  was  one  of  the  best  and  most  esteemed  citizens  of 
the  county,  and  his  loss  was  keenly  felt.  Coming  to  Kansas  in  1857,  he 
took  a  decided  position  as  a  Free  State  man,  during  all  the  troubles  which, 
in  '57,  '8  and  '9,  disturbed  South- Eastern  Kansas,  though  never  identified 
with  the  lawless  element  which  the  fierce  agitation  had  produced. 

He  was  elected  in  October,  1857,  to  the  first  Free  State  Territorial  Legis- 
lature, and  again  to  the  first  State  Legislature,  in  1861,  in  which  as  a  repre- 
sentative, he  ably  discharged  his  duties.  He  was  recognized  as  a  man  of 
sterling  integrity,  great  worth,  good  business  ability  and  sagacity.  He  was 
elected  to  the  State  Senate  in  the  Fall  of  1862.  In  the  Spring  of  1863,  he 
received  an  appointment  as  Major  in  the  Fourth  Regiment,  Indian  Brigade. 
Two  regiments  were  authorized  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  provisional 
appointments  issued  to  field  officers  and  captains  of  companies.  The  parties 
were  then  ordered  to  report  to  Colonel  William  A.  Phillips  at  Fort  Gibson. 
Among  them  was  Colonel  Knowles.  On  reporting,  Colonel  Phillips  assigned 
them  regularly  to  various  duties,  so  that  they  were  precluded  from  recruit- 
ing, even  if  the  presence  of  an  active  enemy  had  not  rendered  success  almost 
impossible. 

Major  Knowles  afterwards  accepted  the  position  of  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
tendered  him  by  Major-General  James  G.  Blunt,  in  the  colored  regiment  he 
was  then  raising.  In  this  position  he  gained  the  esteem  of  his  brother 
officers,  and  the  confidence  and  regard  of  the  men.  Owing  to  ill-health, 
afcer  six  months'  service,  he  was  compelled  to  resign. 


324  ARMY   OF   THE    BOEDER. 

Colonel  Knowles  was  a  man  of  middle  age  and  fine  appearance.  Univer- 
sally esteemed  while  living,  his  sad  and  ill-starred  fate  woke  a  common  regret. 
His  name  adds  another  to  the  long  list  of  those  who  fell  that  the  land  might 
be  free  and  the  nation  redeemed. 


DANIEL  M.  BHOWN,  shot  down  in  an  attempt  to  escape,  was  formerly  from 
Indiana,  and  settled  in  Kansas  in  1860.  He  was  an  active  citizen,  having 
been  Postmaster  and  Justice  of  the  Peace.  An  old  man,  and  esteemed  by 
all,  he  was  one  of  the  most  uncompromising  foes  to  the  rebellion  by  whose 
murderous  hand  he  fell.  He  has  three  sons  in  the  army. 


DE.  L.  M.  SHADWICK  came  from  Missouri  to  Kansas  in  1861.  A  Southern 
man  by  birth,  he  was  devotedly  attached  to  the  Union,  and  in  the  same  year 
gave  proof  thereof  by  joining  as  aprivate,  Company  "E,"  of  the  10th  Kansas 
Infantry  Volunteers  (formerly  the  3rd  and  4th  Regiments,  Lane  Brigade). 
He  served  through  the  memorable  campaign  of  the  Lane  Brigade  at  Dry- 
wood,  Morristown,  Osceola,  and  elsewhere  on  the  Border.  He  was  early 
appointed  Hospital  Steward,  in  which  position  he  remained  till  his  three 
years'  service  expired,  and  he  was  mustered  out  in  August  of  1864.  Serving 
with  his  regiment  throughout  the  campaign  in  the  Indian  Territory  under 
Colonel  William  Weer;  and  with  General  Blunt,  in  that  which  put  North- 
western Arkansas  under  our  rule,  he  did  his  whole  duty.  Resuming  his  pro- 
fession at  Marmaton,  he  was  rapidly  gaining  an  extensive  practice,  when 
the  bushwhacker's  bullet  finally  mustered  him  out,  and  sent  him  to  nil  an 
untimely  grave. 


JOSEPH  STOUT  came  to  Kansas  from  Jasper  County,  Missouri,  and  had  just 
completed  a  term  of  three  years1  service  in  Company  "E"  of  the  10th 
Kansas  Volunteers. 


WARREN  HAWKINS  was  a  much  respected  citizen,  an  industrious  farmer, 
and  leaves  a  large  family  to  mourn  his  loss. 


ALBERT  MC&ONIGLE  was  a  promising  young  man,  not  more  than  17  years 
old;  the  son  of  Josiah  McGonigle,  of  Bourbon  County,  a  well  known  and 
much  esteemed  citizen. 


DE  LONG GOSS.  325 

"WM.  A.  BELONG,  First  Lieutenant,  Company  u  G,"  (Captain  Bush)  Second 
Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia  (Colonel  G.  W.  Veale)  resided  at  Auburn, 
Shawnee  County,  where  his  widow  now  lives.  He  came  to  Kansas  in  1860. 

Lieutenant  DeLong  was  severely  wounded  in  the  right  shoulder  at  the 
engagement  between  Jackman's  and  part  of  Dobbins'  Brigades,  and  the  2d 
Regiment  (Colonel  Veale)  Kansas  State  Militia,  the  Topeka  Battery,  and 
portions  of  other  militia  organizations,  under  Brigadier  General  Grant, 
Kansas  State  Militia,  on  the  22d  of  October. 

The  wound  was  not  necessarily  fatal,  but  disabled  him  so  as  to  prevent 
an  attempt  to  escape  in  the  retreat  of  the  remnant  of  the  regiment.  All 
concur  in  praise  of  Lieutenant  DeLong's  gallantry.  He  was  shot  after  cap- 
ture, by  men  detailed  by  the  infamous  Colonel  Jackman  himself,  being 
wounded  several  times,  one  ball  passing  through  the  spinal  column,  paraly- 
zing his  lower  limbs.  That  all  our  prisoners  did  not  meet  the  same  fate, 
was  owing  to  the  personal  interference  of  General  Shelby,  to  whom,  as  a 
gallant  and  generous  foe,  all  praise  is  accorded. 

Lieutenant  DeLong  was  left  on  the  field  by  the  rebel  assassins,  and  there 
found  by  our  men.  Being  carried  to  the  General  Hospital  at  Kansas  City, 
he  lingered  in  great  agony  till  the  middle  of  November,  when  he  calmly 
met  a  patriot's  death. 


EMMET  Goss,  First  Lieutenant,  Company  "M,"  15th  Regiment,  Kansas 
Cavalry  Volunteers,  was  killed  by  bushwhackers  while  out  with  Captain 
Norton  on  a  foraging  expedition  near  Cane  Hill,  Arkansas,  November  12th, 
it  is  behoved,  by  the  rebels  under  a  notorious  guerrilla,  known  as  "  Jencks" 
or  "Tucks.' 

Lieutenant  Goss  was  still  a  young  man,  but  leaves  a  wife  and  children  to 
mourn  his  loss.  He  was  a  native  of  North  Carolina,  but  previous  to  the  out- 
break of  the  rebellion  was  living  in  Jackson  County,  Mo.,  where  his  avowed 
Union  principles  and  active  services  soon  made  him  a  marked  man.  Always 
radical,  he  was  uncompromising  in  his  devotion  to  the  national  cause,  and 
served  in  the  militia  regiments  of  that  State.  When  the  15th  Kansas  was 
being  recruited  he  assisted  in  the  organization  of  Company  "M."  Lieut- 
enant Goss  was  esteemed  a  valuable  officer,  especially  in  the  scouting  service, 
in  which  the  exigencies  of  the  border  required  the  employment  of  cavalry. 


ORLOFF  NORTON,  Captain,  Company  "L,"  15th  Kansas  Cavalry  Volunteers, 
was  killed  bv  bushwhackers,  while  the  regiment  was  on  its  homeward  march 


326  AKMY   OF   THE   BORDER. 

from  the  Arkansas  River.  Colonel  Charles  R.  Jennison,  commanding  the 
troops  moving  by  way  of  Cane  Hill  and  Fayetteville,  Ark.,  thus  speaks  in  his 
report  of  the  circumstances  under  which  Captain  Norton  fell:  -'He  was 
undoubtedly  killed  (with  Lieutenant  Goss,  Company  "M")  while  in  charge 
of  foraging  parties,  in  the  vicinity  of  Cane  Hill,  on  the  12th  of  November,  as 
all  search  has  proved  useless,  and  when  last  heard  from  they  were  closely 
pursued  by  a  large  force  of  guerrillas,  said  to  be  under  command  of  Lieutenant 
Jeucks,  C.S.A." 

In  "  General  Field  Orders,  No.  3,"  dissolving  the  1st  Brigade,  the  Colonel 
commanding  says  of  Captain  Norton  and  Lieutenant  Emmet  Goss,  Company 
11M,"  15th  Regiment  Kansas  Cavalry:  "The  two  former  have  never  been 
heard  from,  and  it  is  hardly  to  be  supposed  they  have  escaped. ' '  Nothing 
has  since  been  heard  of  this  gallant  officer:  there  is  no  doubt  remaining  of 
his  fate.  Orloff  Norton  was  a  native  of  Delaware  County,  Ohio.  Born  ia 
1837,  at  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  but  27  years  of  age.  He  came  to 
Kansas  in  1860,  settling  in  the  Neosho  Valley.  At  the  organization  of  the 
12th  Regiment  Kansas  Volunteer  Infantry  (Colonel  C.  W.  Adams)  he  enlisted 
as  a  private,  serving  on  the  border,  until,  in  the  Fall  of  1863,  he  received  a 
commission  as  second  lieutenant  in  the  company  whose  captain  he  was  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  participated  through  the  whole  of  the  campaign — 
his  regiment  forming  part  of  the  First  Brigade  in  General  James  G.  Blunt' s 
Division.  He  was  in  the  battles  of  Lexington,  Little  Blue,  Byrom's  Ford,  Big 
Blue,  State  Line,  Westport  and  Newtonia.  His  Brigade  Commander,  Colonel 
Jennison  (15th  Kansas  Cavalry),  speaks  of  Captain  Norton  and  Lieutenant 
Goss,  in  his  report  to  the  General  commanding  First  Division:  "Their  loss 
is  one  which  can  be  illy  sustained  by  the  regiment;  and  their  memory  will 
be  cherished  by  all  whose  good  fortune  it  was  to  be  associated  with  them." 


CHARLES  V.  HYDE,  Orderly  Sergeant,  Company  "C,"  llth  Kansas  Cavalry 
Volunteers,  was  killed  at  the  engagement,  Lexington,  Missouri,  while  gal- 
lantly performing  duty  with  his  company  in  the  extreme  advance  of  our  line. 
He  was  a  citizen  of  Lyon  County,  Kansas,  where  his  parents  still  reside. 
A  young  man,  twenty  years  of  age,  he  served  his  country  for  over  two  years, 
participating  with  his  regiment  in  the  memorable  campaign  of  the  Army  01 
the  Frontier,  under  General  James  G.  Blunt ;  and  distinguished  himself  as 
a  soldier  in  the  fatigues  and  trials  incidental  to  a  soldier's  life,  not  less  than 
by  his  courage  at  Newtonia.  Cane  Hill  and  Prairie.  He  was  with  the  Com- 
pany in  its  arduous  services  against  guerrillas  during  General  Ewing's 
administration  of  the  Border  District  of  Missouri  and  Kansas,  in  the  Summer 
and  Fall  of '63. 


VERNON.  327 

REV.  RICHARD  YERNON  was  murdered  on  the  march  of  the  rebels  from 
West  Point,  Cass  County,  Missouri,  to  the  Trading  Post,  Linn  County,  Kansas. 
Of  the  manner  of  his  death  the  following  incidents  are  told.  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Wheeler,  13th  Kansas  Volunteers,  Assistant  Field  Officer  of  the 
day,  and  Captain  Young  of  the  5th  Kansas  Cavalry,  Acting  Provost  Marshal 
of  the  2d  Brigade,  were  the  first  officers  of  our  army  who  reached  the 
scene  of  desolation  after  the  rebel  marauders  had  passed.  From  their 
knowledge  and  our  own  observation  the  facts  are  gathered. 

Mr.  Vernon  lived  in  Linn  County,  close  to  the  State  Line,  having  removed 
from  Cass  County,  where  for  several  years  as  a  preacher  of  the  Methodist 
Church  North  he  had  lived  and  labored.  He  was  a  faithful  Anti-Slavery 
Unionist,  and  for  these  opinions  had  been  much  persecuted. 

At  the  time  of  the  passing  of  the  rebel  army,  Mr.  Vernon,  with  a  wagon 
and  team,  was  standing  in  a  neighbor's  yard.  A  lot  of  the  ruffianly  bush- 
whackers who  followed  along  the  flanks  and  rear  of  the  invading  army,  rode 
in  and  demanded  the  horses.  This  was  the  first  house  entered  by  the  rebels 
after  crossing  the  State  line,  and  is  about  six  miles  north  of  the  Trading  Post, 
and  about  two  miles  from  West  Point.  The  trail  had  beaten  the  prairie  like 
a  long  used  road,  and  was  as  distinguishable  in  the  night  as  a  wagon  road 
would  have  been  in  the  daytime. 

Mr.  Vernon,  expostulating  with  the  invaders,  told  them  he  owned  the 
ponies.  The  reply  was  a  brutal  order  to  unhitch  them.  The  old  man,  still 
demurring,  was  instantly  shot  down.  Death  ensued  immediately.  This 
fiendish  act  occurred  in  sight  of  the  inmates  of  the  cabin,  who  were  the  wife 
and  family  of  a  settler,  fortunately  absent.  After  murdering  the  inoffensive 
old  man  of  60  years,  they  commenced  a  work  of  devastation  which  was 
as  complete  as  our  rapid  approach  would  allow. 

They  burned  the  forage,  set  fire  to  the  fences,  attempting  to  do  the  same 
to  the  house.  The  poor  woman,  however,  put  out  the  fire.  Every  article 
of  clothing  or  food  was  taken  or  destroyed.  Among  other  things  they  found 
a  pot  of  soap-grease,  which  they  devoured  like  so  many  half  famished 
wolves,  and  then,  to  exhibit  their  petty  spite  against  the  poor  woman,  they 
smashed  the  pot.  A  little  way  from  the  house  was  a  splendid  spring  of 
pure  cold  water,  which  the  family  had  excavated  to  the  depth  of  ten  or 
twelve  feet  and  had  walled  it  up,  making  a  very  wide  and  capacious  well. 
After  exhausting  the  water  in  supplying  themselves  and  animals,  these  brave 
soldiers  led  one  of  their  old  broken  down  horses  up  to  the  mouth  of  the 
well,  shot  him  and  tumbled  him  in. 

This  was  the  condition  of  the  dwelling  when  our  advance  came  up.  The 
murdered  form  of  their  venerable  neighbor  lay  in  the  door  yard,  as  it  fell 
under  the  assassin's  bullet.  The  cabin  was  a  scene  of  devastation  and  ruin. 


328  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDEE. 

The  poor  woman  and  children  were  cowering  in  almost  idiotic  terror,  while 
the  fires  lit  by  the  marauders  still  smouldered.  By  direction  of  Captain 
Young,  a  portion  of  the  provost  guard  were  set  to  work,  clearing  out  the 
spring,  and  otherwise  aiding  the  poor  people. 

Mr.  Vernon  was  a  man  universally  respected.  Originally  from  Pennsyl- 
vania, his  life  had  been  spent  upon  the  frontier  in  discharge  of  the  self- 
sacrificing  duties  incidental  to  the  life  of  an  itinerant  preacher.  A  faithful 
upholder  of  the  principles  of  Union  and  Liberty,  he  at  last  fell  a  victim  to 
Slavery's  treason.  Mr.  Vernon  left  a  wife  and  five  children,  who  removed 
to  Media,  Delaware  County,  Pennsylvania,  where  his  brother,  Mr.  D.  A. 
Vernon,  edits  the  American,  a  County  Republican  journal. 


JOHN  MILLER,  an  aged  citizen  sixty-five  years  old,  was  murdered  at  his 
home  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Trading  Post. 


ELDER  WILLIAMS,  living  two  miles  north  of  the  Post,  with  a  son  just  dis- 
charged from  the  6th  Kansas  Cavalry,  were  taken  prisoners  the  night  of  the 
24th.  Both  were  probably  murdered. 


G.  L.  GOVE,  Captain,  Company  UG,"  llth  Regiment  Kansas  Volunteer 
Cavalry  (Colonel  Thomas  Moonlight)  died  at  Olathe,  Kansas,  November  7th, 
1864,  of  disease  contracted  through  exposure  in  the  field  in  the  early  part  of 
the  campaign. 

Captain  Gove  was  one  of  the  most  promising  and  efficient  officers  among 
those  serving  in  the  Kansas  regiments.  He  was  a  citizen  of  Riley  County, 
where  his  father,  Hon.  Moses  Gove,  Mayor  of  Manhattan,  is  highly  esteemed. 
His  gallant  son  was  but  23  years  of  age  when  he  died,  and  had,  by  his  own 
merit  and  hard  service,  won  the  commission  he  then  bore.  Entering  the 
service  in  August,  1861,  as  private  in  Company  "F,n  6th  Regiment  Kansas 
Volunteer  Cavalry,  he  served  in  all  the  actions  his  regiment  participated  in, 
till  August  of  the  following  year.  He  was  in  engagements  on  the  Osage,  and 
at  Coon  Creek,  and  in  the  pursuit  after  Shelby  during  the  Spring  of  1862, 
when  General  Blunt  made  his  first  campaign  after  assuming  command  of  the 
Department  of  Kansas.  He  also  served  in  the  Indian  Territory  campaign, 
under  Colonel  William  Weer,  during  the  summer  of  the  same  year. 

On  the  13th  of  August  he  was  appointed  second  lieutenant  and  recruiting 


GOVE.  320 

officer  in  the  llth  Kansas  Volunteers.  He,  with  Captain  Adams,  raised 
Company  "  G,"  among  his  neighbors  and  associates  in  Riley  County,  and  was 
unanimously  elected  first  lieutenant.  With  his  regiment  he  served  through- 
out the  brilliant  campaign  of  the  Army  of  the  Frontier,  under  the  gallant 
General  Blunt,  participating  in  all  the  engagements.  At  Cane  Hill  and 
Prairie  Grove,  he  was  distinguished  by  his  coolness  and  courage. 

With  his  Company,  he  was  stationed  upon  the  border  during  the  summer 
of  1863.  At  the  time  of  reorganizing  the  regiment  as  cavalry,  Captain  Adams 
was  promoted  to  a  majority,  and  Lieutenant  Gove  being  unanimously  elected 
captain,  was  commissioned  as  such  by  the  Governor.  On  the  reorganization 
of  the  Department  of  Kansas,  under  General  S.  R.  Curtis,  Captain  Gove' a 
Company  was  selected  to  serve  as  his  escort.  This  mark  of  confidence  was 
due  entirely  to  the  soldierly  qualities  displayed  by  their  young  commander, 
and  the  high  state  of  drill  and  discipline  into  which  he  had  brought  the 
company. 

While  serving  in  that  capacity  at  Department  Head-quarters,  he  was  seve- 
ral times  sent  into  Missouri,  and  during  the  continuance  of  the  Paw  Paw 
rebellion,  was  on  duty  in  Platte  County.  He  was  with  the  General  on  his 
Jate  Indian  expeditions,  and  when  the  campaign  against  Price  commenced, 
moved  to  the  front  to  take  part  in  the  actions  of  the  hour.  This  in  spite  of 
the  fact  that  his  health  was  precarious.  He  was  in  the  heat  of  the  engage- 
ment at  the  Little  Blue,  October  21st,  being  sent  with  Major  Hunt,  Chief  of 
Artillery,  to  support  the  howitzers  of  his  own  command,  and  two  under  Ser- 
geant Patterson,  14th  Kansas  Cavalry,  attached  to  the  First  Brigade.  In 
this  position  he  was  subjected  to  the  heaviest  fire  from  the  enemy's  lines. 
At  the  engagement  on  the  afternoon  of  the  22d,  when  Colonel  Jennison 
(after  being  driven  from  Byrom's  Ford)  assisted  by  Colonel  Moonlight  with 
the  2d  Brigade,  met  and  turned  the  leading  rebel  division  under  Shelby, 
which  had  already  entered  Kansas  near  the  Shawnee  Mission  Manual  Labor 
School,  driving  them  for  four  miles.  The  body  guard,  under  Captain  Gove, 
was  taken  to  the  front  b^y  Major  Hunt  and  placed  to  support  the  centre  of 
our  Hue,  where  it  did  gallant  service. 

The  body  guard  with  its  gallant  captain  participated  in  the  final  charge 
south  of  Westport  upon  the  eventful  morning  of  the  23rd,  and  was  active  in 
the  pursuit  that  followed.  He  remained  in  the  field  until  sickness  compelled 
him  to  leave.  The  result  was  fatal. 

This  gallant  soldier  died  in  the  early  dawn,  with  the  flush  of  young  man- 
hood upon  his  brow.  His  military  career  was  alike  honorable  and  brilliant, 
and  it  is  not  to  be  doubted  that  a  character  so  marked,  as  was  that  of  Cap- 
tain Gove' s,  would  have  won  for  him  a  proud  place  in  life. 


330  AKMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

JAMES  NELSON  SMITH,  Second  Major  of  the  Second  Regiment  Colorado 
Volunteer  Cavalry  (Colonel  James  Ford)  fell  while  in  command  of  the 
regiment  at  the  Battle  of  the  Little  Blue,  between  Independence  and  the 
Stream  thus  named,  on  the  morning  of  the  21st  of  October,  1864. 

At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  leading  the  advance  line  of  the  4th  Brigade — 
Colonel  Ford  commanding;  the  Second  Colorado  having  been  ordered  to  the 
support  of  a  battery  of  howitzers  brought  from  Independence  and  placed  in 
position  by  Major  R.  H.  Hunt  (15th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry)  Chief  of 
Artillery,  upon  the  staff  of  Major-General  Curtis.  Major  Smith  was  on  the 
right,  and  in  advance  of  a  farm  house  two  miles  from  the  bridge,  hi  which 
the  howitzer  battery  had  been  placed.  Before  them  was  an  open  tield 
skirted  by  timber,  which  was  occupied  by  the  rebels.  It  is  generally 
believed  that  the  command  immediately  in  front  was  the  bushwhacking 
force  which  had  recently  joined  General  Price,  under  the  infamous  George 
Todd  ;  the  same  gang  which,  under  Quantrell.  Todd,  Yeager,  and  others, 
participated  in  all  the  atrocities  of  Lawrence,  Eater's  Springs,  the  "Sam 
*}aty ' '  massacre,  and  other  affairs  on  the  Border. 

Major  Smith's  towering  form  and  fine  appearance  attracted  the  rebels' 
attention,  and  the  fusilade  in  his  direction  became  marked  and  dangerous. 
While  the  line  was  m  this  position  (Colonel  Moonlight,  with  the  llth 
Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  having  moved  to  the  front  again  in  support  of 
the  artillery,  forming  on  the  left)  Major  Smith  was  pierced  to  the  heart 
with  a  rebel  bullet.  He  never  spoke,  but  fell  from  his  saddle  dead. 

The  deceased  was  a  man  of  fine  appearance,  being  over  six  feet  tall,  and 
well  proportioned ;  with  an  open  countenance  which  bespoke  intelligence, 
energy  and  decision  of  character.  He  was  formerly  a  citizen  of  Kansas, 
having  resided  at  El  wood,  Doniphau  County,  in  1859.  His  brother,  Major 
Samuel  D.  Smith,  Brigade  Surgeon,  was  formerly  surgeon  of  the  famous 
First  Kansas;  and  another  brother,  Ebenezer  Smith,  is  a  partner  of  Jerome 
B.  Chaffee,  of  Colorado,  who  has  since  been  so  successful  both  in  business 
and  public  affairs,  in  that  flourishing  Territory.  All  of  them  resided  at  one 
time  in  Elwood,  and  together  (except  the  Doctor)  moved  to  the  mountains. 

"When  the  alarm  was  sounded  at  Fort  Sumter,  in  '61,  and  Governor 
William  Gilpm  commenced  the  organization  of  the  1st  Colorado  Regiment, 
J.  Nelson  Smith  was  among  the  first  to  respond.  At  the  time  of  the  organi- 
zation of  the  3rd  Regiment  Colorado  Volunteers,  the  Major  was  commissioned 
as  such  by  Governor  Evans;  Colonel  Dodd  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Samuel 
S.  Curtis  being  the  other  field  officers. 

With  six  companies  of  this  regiment  (afterwards  consolidated  with  the  2d 
under  Colonel  James  Ford,  thus  forming  the  now  famous  Second  Regiment) 
Major  Smith  marched  from  Fort  Lyon  to  Fort  Scott,  and  afterwards  parlici- 


SMITH.  331 

pated  in  the  engagement  at  Cabin  Creek,  against  the  rebel  Stand  "Waitie, 
with  his  mongrel  force  of  Indians  and  Texans.  On  reaching  Fort  Gibson, 
General  Blunt  soon  assumed  command,  and  the  campaign  of  '63,  in  the 
territory  south  of  the  Arkansas  River,  commenced.  The  regiment  partici- 
pated in  the  victory  of  Honey  Springs,  July  17th,  1863;  in  the  march  on 
and  rout  at  Perry ville,  Choctaw  Nation ;  and  in  the  subsequent  occupation 
of  Fort  Smith,  Arkansas.  Afterwards,  when  the  regiment  was  ordered  to 
Springfield,  previous  to  consolidation,  Major  Smith  was  in  command  on  the 
inarch. 

After  reorganization,  the  2d  Colorado  was  stationed  upon  the  western  bor- 
der of  Missouri,  with  head-quarters  at  Kansas  City.  For  over  a  year  its 
record  has  been  of  a  most  brilliant  character,  and  the  personal  services  of 
the  gallant  and  lamented  Major  most  untiring  and  valuable. 

Throughout  the  entire  term  of  its  services  in  Jackson  and  the  adjacent 
counties  of  Missouri,  Major  Smith  had  command  of  stations  involving  great 
activity  and  responsibility.  During  the  continuance  of  what  is  known  iu 
Missouri  and  Kansas  as  "The  Paw  Paw  Rebellion,"  Major  Smith  was 
vigorously  employed  under  Colonel  Ford,  and  in  conjunction  with  troops 
from  General  Curtis'  command  in  operations  against  Taylor,  Thrail  Kill  and 
others,  in  the  counties  of  Platte  and  Clay,  Missouri.  He  was  foremost  in 
the  attack  on  and  rout  of  the  rebels  at  Camden  Point,  Platte  County,  and 
afterwards,  in  the  same  campaign,  he  had  several  sharp  encounters  with 
Thrail  Kill  near  Liberty,  Clay  County.  Throughout  his  service  in  this 
region,  Major  Smith  made  himself  the  dread  of  the  treacherous  bush- 
whackers and  their  allies,  while  at  the  same  time  he  was  always  found 
opposed  to  the  unlicensed  spoliation  and  robbery  which  had  been  construed 
to  mean  living  ofi'the  enemy,  and  was  too  often  permitted  as  a  "  radical11 
method  of  warfare,  to  the  utter  demoralization  of  our  troops,  making 
marauders  out  of  soldiers. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  Price  Campaign,  Major  Smith,  with  the  regi- 
ment, was  under  orders  to  report  to  General  Curtis,  preparatory  to  an 
expected  removal  to  Colorado,  where  the  continued  hostilities  of  the  Indians 
of  the  Plains  rendered  additional  force  necessary. 

By  request  of  General  Rosecrans,  they  were  detained  until  the  growing 
emergencies  rendered  their  presence  imperative.  Being  then  stationed  at 
Pleasant  Hill,  the  force  under  Colonel  Ford  thus  became  the  advanced  out- 
post of  the  Department  of  Kansas,  and  the  forces  of  General  Curtis.  In 
this  position  Major  Smith  was  constantly  employed  in  command  of  scouts  to 
feel  the  enemy's  positions  and  watch  their  movements.  He  occupied  Inde- 
pendence upon  the  14th  of  October,  only  retiring  before  a  superior  rebel 
force.  On  the  15th  he  was  scat  on  a  reconrioissance  towards  Lexington, 


332  ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

which  city  he  occupied  on  the  IGth,  remaining  till  next  day,  then  returning 
to  Independence,  which  he  left  only  to  face  the  foe,  and  nobly  met  a  soldier's 
death. 

J.  Nelson  Smith  was  born  in  January,  1837,  at  Beaver  Dam,  Erie  County, 
Pennsylvania.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  consequently  not  28  years 
of  age.  He  received  a  liberal  education,  graduating  at  the  Meadville  College 
in  his  native  State. 

One  who  knew  him  well  thus  speaks  of  his  life  in  his  adopted  home:  "  The 
"  career  of  the  deceased  in  Colorado  was  that  of  an  earnest,  honest  and 
"  capable  young  man.  He  made  friends  wherever  he  went,  not  because  he 
1 '  sought  them,  but  for  the  reason  that  he  deserved  them  and  they  came  to 
••him." 

He  was  first  buried  with  military  honors  at  Kansas  City  by  his  mourning 
comrades,  who,  of  all  grades,  regretted  his  loss  as  that  of  a  tried,  true  and 
valued  friend.  Afterwards  his  remains  were  removed  by  his  brother,  Sur- 
geon Smith,  to  Greenwood  Cemetery,  noar  Leavenworth,  Kansas. 

He  fell  battling  for  nationality,  for  liberty,  for  the  broadest  human  oppor- 
tunities, and  the  grandest  development  of  the  highest  Christian  civilization. 
Dying  for  America,  young,  honored  and  brave,  his  name  shall  be  esteemed 
as  one  who  deserved  well  of  his  country,  and  who  gave  all  for  that  country's 

•welfare. 

1 '  Sleep,  soldier  !  still  in  honored  rest 

Your  truth  and  valor  wearing  ; 
The  bravest  are  the  tenderest, 
The  loving  are  the  daring." 


H.  C.  COVIL,  Company  "B,"  Second  Regiment  Kansas  State  Millitia,  was 
killed  at  the  engagement  near  the  Big  Blue  River,  on  the  road  from  Kansas 
City  to  Hickman's  Mills,  on  the  22d  of  October,  1864,  in  the  fight  between 
the  regiment  to  which  he  belonged  and  the  advance  brigade  (Jackman's)  of 
Shelby's  Division,  which  had  just  succeeded  in  forcing  the  passage  of  the 
stream  at  Byrom's  Ford,  about  four  miles  from  the  one  held  by  the  militia. 

Mr.  Covil  was  a  farmer,  living  three  miles  from  the  city  of  Topcka.  He 
leaves  a  wife  and  one  child.  His  age  was  about  forty.  He  came  to  Kansas 
among  the  earliest  settlers,  locating  in  Shawnee  County,  and  was  always  an 
active  participant  in  the  Free  State  troubles.  A  man  much  esteemed  by  his 
neighbors,  he  had  twice  been  elected  County  Commissioner,  and  his  loss  is 
regretted  as  that  of  a  good  man  and  valuable  citizen. 


YOUNG HANDLEY BKOWN,    ETC.  333 

HARVEY  G.  YOUNG,  Company  "B,"  Second  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia, 
was  killed  in  the  engagement  near  the  Big  Blue,  at  the  Hickman's  Milla 
Crossing.  He  was  a  citizen  of  Topeka,  doing  business  there;  a  young  man 
but  little  over  30  years  of  age,  and  settled  in  Kansas  in  1854,  passing  through 
all  the  troublous  Free  State  agitation,  in  which  warfare  he  bore  an  active 
part. 


DANIEL  HANDLEY,  of  the  Topeka  Battery,  fell  at  the  engagement,  October 
22d,  on  the  Blue,  while  most  bravely  attempting  to  defend  the  gun  used  by 
our  militia,  against  a  charge  from  Jackman's  Brigade.  He  was  an  Irishman, 
a  butcher  by  trade,  and  came  to  the  State  in  1858. 


NICHOLAS  BROWN,  of  the  Independence  Battery,  was  shot  down  whilo 
working  the  24-pound  howitzer  captured  by  Shelby  from  General  Grant, 
Kansas  State  Militia,  October  22d.  He  was  a  young  man  but  33  years  of 
age,  Prussian  by  birth,  and  very  generally  esteemed  by  his  associates. 


GEORGE  GRINOLD  was  a  member  of  Battery,  an  industrious  German  carpen- 
ter, whose  death  is  felt  severely  by  his  wife  and  children.  He  came  to 
Kansas,  settling  in  Topeka,  in  1860.  Like  the  large  majority  of  Germans, 
he  was  an  ardent  Republican,  and  a  sincere  and  loyal  citizen. 


McCLURE  MARTIN,  of  the  Battery,  was  not  only  an  active  member  of  that 
organization,  in  which  he  fell,  but  a  respected  and  esteemed  citizen  of 
Topeka.  He  was  but  a  young  man.  Came  to  Kansas  from  Pennsylvania. 
His  brother  and  family  reside  at  Topeka.  He  was  an  active  Free  State  man 
throughout  the  perilous  hours  of  '54,  '5  and  '6,  and  at  last  gave  his  life 
in  defence  of  the  principles  he  had  so  long  sustained,  meeting  death  at 
the  hands  of  Slavery's  minions  with  the  same  courage  that  he  had  combatted 
it  in  life. 


C.  H.  BUDP  was  a  native  of  Maine,  who  came  to  Kansas  in  1 860.  A  brick- 
mason  by  occ'ipation,  he  was  esteemed  as  a  faithful  and  industrious  work- 
man. He  fell  with  the  Battery  to  which  he  belonged,  on  the  22d  of  Ociober. 


334  AKMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

LEO  SBLKIN,  a  German  citizen  of  Topoka,  was  killed  in  the  engagement  upon 
the  Big  Blue,  October  22d,  while  working  the  gun  to  which  he  was  attached. 


MERRICK  D.  RACE  was  born  in  North  Ridgeville,  Loraine  County,  Ohio, 
January  24th,  1842.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  then  22  years  old. 
He  received  an  excellent  education.  In  August,  1861,  he  joined  the  llth 
Regiment  Ohio  Volunteer  Cavalry,  and  soon  after  came  to  Kansas  with  his 
command.  He'served  through  Kansas,  on  the  Border  and  in  the  Indian 
Territory,  until  being  taken  sick,  he  was,  after  a  long  illness,  mustered  out 
for  disability  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  in  the  Spring  of  '63. 

He  then  entered  the  Commercial  College  at  Oberlin,  where  he  rapidly 
perfected  in  the  studies,  having  the  intention  of  becoming  a  teacher  himself. 
Removing  to  Topeka,  Kansas,  August,  1864,  he  engaged  in  the  starting  of  a 
Commercial  College.  This  institution,  known  as  Mills  and  Race's  College, 
was  in  a  flourishing  condition  when  Price's  invasion  summoned  all  to  arms. 

Young  Race  immediately  joined  the  battery  and  proceeded  with  it  to  the 
Border.  In  this  he  was  very  useful,  having  considerable  practical  knowledge 
of  artillery  drill  and  practice.  At  the  fight  near  Russell's  Ford,  on  the  22d, 
the  gallant  young  soldier,  after  having  actively  aided  the  resistance  by  the 
small  detachment  with  the  gun  before  the  arrival  of  Colonel  Veale,  passed 
amid  the  storm  of  bullets  along  the  entire  front  of  the  rebel  line  for  the  pur- 
pose of  reconnoitering,  and  returned  to  Colonel  Veale  with  the  information 
that  they  were  several  thousand  in  number.  He  was  taken  prisoner  in  the 
final  charge,  after  being  promised  treatment  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  and  imme- 
diately, on  delivery  of  his  arms,  was  shot  twice,  one  ball  passing  through  his 
leg  and  the  other  passing  through  his  lungs. 

Being  left  for  dead  he  was,  after  the  rebels  moved  off,  succored  by  a 
member  of  the  Auburn  Company,  who  had  also  escaped.  This  young  man 
brought  water,  and  succeeded  in  removing  him  to  a  house  near  by.  Here  he 
remained  until  re-captured  by  our  forces  on  Sunday.  In  the  evening  he 
was  moved  two  miles  for  the  purpose  of  better  attendance.  He  remained, 
enduring  his  agony  with  cheerfulness,  at  times  believing  he  would  recover, 
until  Monday  morning,  when  at  2  A.  M.  his  spirit  left  for  the  better  land. 
He  was  buried  on  the  field,  but  his  body  was  afterwards  removed,  by  an 
nncle,  to  Loraine  County,  Ohio. 

He  died  regretted  by  all.  Active,  talented,  generous,  earnest,  his  cow- 
ardly murder,  after  surrender,  is  but  another  evidence  of  the  hellish  spirit 
engendered  by  slavery. 


MAYEEES COOK.  335 

Besides  those  already  given,  we  record  the  names  of  those  of  our  dead, 
killed  October  22d,  of  whom  no  particulars  have  reached  us: 

Company  "B"  (Topeka) — Private  J.  B.  Alverson. 

Company  "C"  (Tecumseh) — Privates  Albert  Chipman  and  Elias  Roberts. 
R.  B.  Hoeback  and  Osborne  Nayor,  taken  prisoners,  escaped  on  the  4th  day, 
died  after  return  home,  of  the  exposure. 

Company  UD"  (Indianola) — Privates  Robert  McKown,  Dennis  Ray,  and 
Moses  Banks  (colored). 

Company  ' '  F  "  (Big  Springs) — Privates  David  Rake,  James  Eagle  and 
Robert  Campbell. 

Company  "  G"  (Auburn) — Privates  W.  P.  Roberts  and  Samuel  Allen. 

Company  "I"  (Monmouth) — Privates  William  Wann  and  Robert  Rolls. 

The  Topeka  Battery,  Company  "A" — Ben  Hughes  (colored). 


JAMES  MAYRERS,  of  Wyandotte,  Wagon  Master  of  the  23rd  Kansas  State 
Militia,  was  killed  in  the  same  engagement.  As  also  a  colored  teamster, 
whose  name  is  unknown. 


AARON  COOK,  was  a  citizen  of  Jefferson  County,  Kansas,  and  a  member  of 
the  4th  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia  (Colonel  McCain  commanding).  This 
regiment  was  ordered  from  Independence  after  the  engagement  near  the 
Little  Blue,  October  21st,  and  during  the  uiglit  were  directed  to  proceed  to 
and  hold  Byrom's  Ford,  four  miles  above  the  old  Independence  and  Kansas 
City  Road.  On  arrival  here,  a  party  of  twenty-one  men  were  sent  as  scouts 
and  messengers  towards  Hickman's  Mills,  where  was  stationed  a  militia  force 
under  Brigadier-General  M.  S.  Grant,  Kansas  State  Militia.  On  their  return, 
and  when  within  a  mile  or  two  of  the  Ford,  the  party  were  surprised  and 
all  but  one  taken  prisoners — he  escaping  by  the  fleetness  of  his  horse.  Aaron 
Cook  was  shot  down  in  cold  blood  after  capture,  and  his  body  left  in  the 
road,  where  it  was  found  shortly  after.  In  all  probability  he  was  murdered 
by  Jackman's  Brigade. 

Adjutant  Dutton  thus  writes  :  "Aaron  Cook,  taken  prisoner  by  Shelby's 
men,  was  one  of  the  early  settlers,  and  a  bold,  tearless,  outspoken  champion 
of  the  principles  of  freedom;  always  active  and  earnest  in  the  good  cause; 
generous  to  a  fault,  but  uncompromising  in  his  political  faith;  a  kind  husband 
and  father,  and  left  a  large  family  to  mourn  his  sad  fate.1' 


ARMY    OF   THE   BORDER. 

DAVID  FULTS. — On  Sunday,  October  23rd,  between  4  and  5  P.M.,  two 
gentlemen  found  a  wounded  man  near  Little  Santa  Fe,  who  gave  his  name 
as  David  Fults,  Company  "I,"  2d  Regiment  Kansas  State  Militia.  His  state 
ment  was  that  having  been  separated  from  his  regiment  at  the  Big  Blue  the 
day  before,  he  fell  in  with  a  body  of  our  cavalry,  which  he  believed  to  be 
Colonel  Jennison's  regiment.  He  told  several  soldiers  who  he  was  ;  also 
told  the  commander,  whom  he  believed  to  be  Colonel  Jennison,  the  same 
story,  but  the  officer  declared  him  a  rebel  bushwhacker,  and  ordered  him  to 
be  shot.  The  unfortunate  man  was  wounded  in  the  small  of  the  back  and 
in  the  leg.  The  first  ball  passed  through  his  body.  They  left  him  where  he 
was  found.  He  died  shortly  afterwards. 

This  statement  created  much  indignation,  and  by  General  Curtis'  orders 
was  investigated.  Lieutenant  J.  M.  Hubbard,  Signal  Officer,  made  an  inves- 
tigation which  elicited  the  following  facts: 

David  Fults  resided  some  eleven  miles  southwest  of  Big  Springs,  Shawnee 
County.  Another  brother  resides  in  Douglass  County,  and  in  the  Campaign 
against  Price  was  in  the  field  with  the  21st  Kansas  State  Militia.  Two  other 
brothers  are  members  of  the  16th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  and  two  more 
have  been  in  the  Federal  service  in  Kentucky,  from  which  State  the  family 
emigrated  to  Kansas  eight  years  since. 

David  Fults  leaves  a  widow  and  two  children.  He  took  with  him  on  the 
campaign  a  horse  and  equipments,  of  which  the  family  have  never  been  able 
to  find  any  trace. 

Of  the  circumstances  under  which  Le  was  shot  his  family  know  nothing, 
except  from  the  statement  of  parties  who  saw  and  conversed  with  him 
during  the  interval  of  time  that  he  lived  after  being  wounded. 

Of  these  statements  the  one  most  circumstantial  is  that  of  John  J.  Ingalls, 
who  seems  to  have  been  the  first  man  that  discovered  him  after  those  at 
whose  hands  he  received  his  wounds  had  passed  on  and  left  him.  To  Mr. 
Ingalls,  after  stating  his  name,  residence,  and  the  company  and  regiment 
of  K.  S.  M.  to  which  he  belonged,  he  said  that  he  had  been  separated  from  his 
command  in  the  fight  of  the  preceding  day,  and  while  endeavorng  to  avoid 
the  enemy,  and  rejoin  it,  at  about  noon  of  that  day  (Oct.  23rd)  had  fallen  in 
with  Jennison's  command,  then  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  rebels.  He 
told  them  his  story,  but  Colonel  Jennison  refused  to  credit  it,  or  give  him 
time  and  opportunity  to  prove  it ;  cursed  him  as  a  liar  and  a  rebel,  and 
ordered  his  men  to  shoot  him,  which  they  did,  and  taking  his  horse  and 
equipments  with  them,  left  him  where  he  fell. 

Major  E.  G.  Moon,  Aide-de-Camp  to  General  Deitzler,  and  Dr.  S.  E. 
Martin,  Surgeon  2d  Kansas  State  Militia,  both  of  Topeka,  and  Mr.  Silas 
Lyons,  a  neighbor  arid  member  of  the  same  company  with  the  deceased,  also 


FULTS.  337 

saw  and  conversed  with  him  before  his  death,  and  to  them  he  repeated  the 
same  statement  in  all  essential  particulars.  He  did  not  tell  either  of  these 
parties  upon  what  he  relied  to  identify  Colonel  Jennison.  His  father  and 
brother  both  stated  in  answer  to  inquiries,  that  as  far  as  they  knew  he  had- 
never  seen  Colonel  Jennison,  and  could  not  therefore  be  able  to  identify  him 
from  personal  knowledge.  Other  information  bearing  upon  the  question  of 
identity,  and  also  upon  the  circumstances  of  the  shooting,  is  as  follows: 

Nathaniel  D.  Horton,  Chief  Bugler  llth  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  states- 
that  he  accompanied  Colonel  Moonlight  in  the  pursuit  of  the  rebels  from 
Shawnee  Mission  southward,  on  the  23rd  of  October  last,  and  that  when 
about  five  miles  out,  a  young  man  dressed  in  homespun  clothing,  similar  to 
that  worn  by  the  rebels,  rode  out  of  a  field  on  the  left  of  the  road  and  joined 
the  column.  Colonel  Moonlight  called  him  to  the  head-of  the  column,  and 
demanded  of  him  who  he  was,  where  he  belonged,  and  what  he  was  doing 
there.  His  answer  was  in  substance  that  he  belonged  to  the  Kansas  Militia, 
but  that  he  had  been  compelled  to  join  them  against  his  will,  and  had  left 
them  the  day  previous  with  the  intention  of  joining  the  rebels. 

This  last  point  seemed  rather  to  be  inferred  by  his  hearers  than  explicitly 
stated  by  himself;  and  the  inference  rested,  at  least  in  part,  upon  an  assump- 
tion that  he  had  mistaken  the  character  of  the  command  he  had  joined,  and 
supposed  it  to  be  rebel.  Horton  thinks  his  exact  words  were,  u  I've  been 
wanting  to  get  with  you,"  though  he  would  not  speak  positively  in  regard  to 
the  language  used. 

Proceeding  apparently  upon  the  assumption  referred  to  above,  Colonel 
Moonlight  repeated  once  or  twice,  in  form  slightly  varying,  a  question,  the 
substance  of  which  was,  "  Would  you  rather  go  with  the  Feds,  or  with  us?" 
Each  time  the  answer  of  the  stranger  was  in  substance,  UI  would  rather  go 
with  you,"  upon  which  Colonel  Moonlight  declared  himself  satisfied,  and 
ordered  him  to  be  shot.  He  turned  to  run,  but  was  shot  by  Adjutant  Faber 
and  Quartermaster-Sergeant  Cowan  before  he  had  gone  many  steps,  and  was 
left  by  the  road  side  still  living,  but  judged  to  be  mortally  wounded. 

The  material  portions  of  this  statement  are  corroborated  by  1st  Lieutenant 
WHK  G-.  Drew,  Company  "I,"  llth  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  who  was  at 
that  time  riding  at  the  head  of  the  column,  and  also  by  Quartermaster- 
Sergeant  Wm.  H.  Cowan,  who  was  one  of  the  parties  that  did  the  shooting. 

Lieutenant  Drew  says  that  the  horse  ridden  by  the  stranger  was  seieed  by 
some  one  in  the  column,  he  thinks  by  Private  E.  G.  Ham  of  Company  "  K." 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Plumb,  llth  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  states  that  when 
this  affair  took  place,  he  was  riding  sufficiently  near  the  head  of  the  column 
to  notice  the  shooting,  but  not  near  enough  to  hear  the  words  that  preceded 
and  led  to  it.  He  noticed  the  man  was  still  living  as  be  passed  him,  and 

42 


338  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

saw  the  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  regiment.  Dr.  D.  J.  Adams,  and  the  Chap- 
lain, J.  S.  KJine,  dismount  and  hold  some  conversation  with  him. 

All  these  parties  unite  in  the  statement  that  the  affair  occurred  at  a  time 
of  intense  excitement,  and  that  it  occupied  but  a  very  few  moments,  occa- 
sioning no  halt,  and  scarce  any  delay  in  the  march  of  the  column.  Rev. 
J.  S.  Kline,  Chaplain  llth  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  states  that  while  accom- 
panying his  regiment  in  pursuit  of  the  rebels  on  the  23rd  of  October,  18G4, 
his  attention  was  arrested  by  seeing  the  Assistant  Surgeon  of  the  regiment, 
Dr.  Adams,  dismounted  and  talking  with  a  wounded  man  dressed  in  home- 
spun butternut  colored  clothing. 

When  Mr.  Kline  came  up  the  wounded  man  was  insisting  that  he  was  a 
citizen  of  Kansas,  and  a  member  of  the  militia,  which  statement  Dr.  Adams 
refused  to  credit,  and  told  him  he  was  mortally  wounded  and  had  better  tell 
the  truth.  He  still  adhered  to  his  first  statement,  and  in  answer  to  questions 
from  Mr.  Kline,  stated  further  that  he  lived  in  Shawnee  County,  and 
belonged  to  Colonel  Veale's  regiment  of  militia,  and  that  his  name  was 
Fults.  Mr.  Kline  tested  him  by  a  number  of  questions  in  regard  to  localities 
and  persons  in  Shawnee  County,  all  of  which  he  answered  correctly,  evinc- 
ing an  amount  of  local  information  which  none  but  a  resident,  would  be 
likely  to  possess,  and  which  fully  satisfied  Mr.  Kline  of  the  truth  of  his  state- 
ments. He  said  further  that  he  had  become  separated  from  his  regiment  the 
day  previous,  had  remained  secreted  in  the  timber  over  night,  and  was 
trying  to  make  his  way  back  to  his  friends  when  he  fell  in  with  that  column, 
and  that  the  Colonel  had  ordered  him  to  be  shot  without  giving  him  an 
opportunity  of  proving  his  account  of  himself  true. 

All  these  parties  agree  in  fixing  the  locality  of  this  affair  as  the  same  where 
young  Fults  was  found  later  in  the  same  day  by  Messrs.  Ingalls  and  Moon, 
and  that  the  whole  chain  of  evidence  seems  to  establish  beyond  question  the 
identity  of  the  man  shot  by  Colonel  Moonlight's  order,  with  the  one  found 
by  Ingalls,  and  identified  the  next  morning  by  Mr.  Lyon  as  his  acquaintance 
and  neighbor  David  Fults. 

Of  course  this  conclusion  absolves  Colonel  Jennison  from  all  responsibility 
in  the  premises.  In  regard  to  the  circumstances  attending  the  shooting,  a 
material  difference  will  be  noticed  between  the  account  given  by  Mr.  Fulte 
and  that  given  by  other  witnesses.  To  account  for  this,  it  is  not  in  my 
opinion  necessary  to  impeach  the  veracity  of  either  party.  There  seems  to 
have  been  a  fatal  misunderstanding  between  them.  It  was  very  likely  true 
in  Fults'  case,  as  in  thousands  of  others,  that  he  was  compelled  to  come  out 
with  the  militia,  and  he  may  have  made  the  statement  casually,  and  without 
a  thought  of  the  suspicion  which  it  would  fasten  upon  him.  So  too  his 
statement  of  his  separation  from  his  command  on  the  preceding  day,  and  his 


MAJOR-GE^TEEAL    CURTIS.  339 

his  efforts  to  rejoin  it,  may  have  been  given  in  perfect  innocence,  and  yet  in 
such  terms  as  to  strengthen  in  the  minds  of  those  who  heard  him,  the 
suspicion  that  he  was  at  heart  a  rebel — a  deserter  from  our  flag,  and  that  he 
supposed  himself  talking  with  rebels  at  that  time. 

So  also,  in  answer  to  Colonel  Moonlight's  final  questions,  not  understand- 
ing the  suspicions  with  which  he  was  regarded,  he  may  have  deemed  it 
amply  sufficient  to  declare  his  wish  ;'  to  go  with  them." 

On  the  other  hand,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  his  personal  appear- 
ance, dress,  and  the  place,  and  manner  of  his  joining  the  command,  all 
combined  to  make  him  an  object  of  suspicion,  and  that  those  who  had  stood 
in  battle  against  the  rebel  foe  for  nearly  a  week,  and  then  had  just  prevented 
the  desolation  of  their  homes,  could  hardly  be  expected  at  that  time,  and 
under  such  circumstances,  to  exercise  a  cool  and  deliberate  judgment. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  S.  R.  CURTIS, 

COMMANDER    OF    THE    ARMY    OP    THE    BORDER. 

Major-General  Samuel  Ryan  Curtis  is  a  member  of  an  old  Connecticut 
family,  which  counts  honored  names  of  patriotic  soldiers  of  the  Revolution. 
He  was  born  in  1806,  while  the  family  were  moving  into  Ohio,  and  is  now 
in  his  sixtieth  year. 

His  career  has  been  emphatically  that  of  a  western  man,  and  his  name  is 
associated  with  the  rapid  progress  of  that  section.  He  lived  in  Ohio,  until 
being  appointed  Cadet,  he  went  to  West  Point.  There  he  graduated  credit- 
ably, and  was  commissioned  2d  Lieutenant  of  Infantry,  hi  which  capacity, 
and  as  1st  Lieutenant  and  Captain,  we  believe,  he  served  for  several  years. 
He  resigned  and  practised  law  hi  Ohio.  When  the  Mexican  war  occurred  he 
was  Adjutant-General  of  the  State,  and  was  commissioned  Colonel  of  the  2d 
Ohio  Volunteers.  Proceeding  to  Mexico,  he  was  placed  in  positions  where 
his  large  administrative  abilities  were  brought  into  use.  He  was  Military 
Governor  of  an  important  point,  and  while  acting  in  that  capacity,  organized 
a  column  of  troops  and  marched  to  the  relief  of  General  Taylor  at  Buena 
Vista,  where  he  arrived  at  the  termination  of  the  engagement,  but  still  in 
time  to  be  of  considerable  service 

On  his  return  to  Ohio  he  embraced  the  profession  of  engineer,  and  was 
for  several  years  thereafter  engaged  in  building  up  the  great  railroad  systems 
of  the  West  He  was  afterwards  engineer  of  St.  Louis,  and  materially  aided 
in  saving  to  that  city  it?  invaluable  landing  and  levee.  He  was  afterwards 
appointed  engineer  of  the  Des  Moines  Improvement,  Iowa,  and  made  his 
residence  at  Keokuk.  where  he  still  lives.  He  was  one  of  the  most  active  in 


340  ARMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

inaugurating  the  Iowa  system  of  railroads,  and  bringing  the  Pacific  Railroad 
movement  to  success. 

He  was  the  first  Republican  elected  to  Congress  from  Iowa,  and  was 
reflected  to  the  House  of  Representatives  in  session  when  the  rebellion 
began.  He  soon  laid  down  the  toga  and  took  up  the  sword.  We  brief 
his  latter  military  career,  full  of  interest  as  it  is,  as  follows  : 

Marched  as  Volunteer  Aid  with  New  York  7th  Regiment  to  Washington 
City,  April,  1861';  elected  and  commissioned  Colonel  2d  Regiment  Iowa 
Infantry  Volunteers,  June  1st,  1861 ;  marched  with  his  regiment,  captured  and 
Occupied  Danville  and  St.  Joseph  Railway  in  Missouri,  from  June  13th,  1861, 
to  June  30th,  1861.  While  attending  extra  session  of  Congress  was  present 
at  the  Battle  of  Bull  Run,  Virginia,  July  21st,  1861.  Commissioned  Briga- 
dier-General United  States  Volunteers,  to  date  from  May  17th,  1861.  Re- 
ported to  General  Fremont  at  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and  assumed  command  of 
Camp  of  instruction  at  Jefferson  Barracks,  August,  1861.  Assumed  command 
of  camp  of  instruction  at  Benton  Barracks,  Missouri,  September  12th,  1861. 
Assumed  command  of  St.  Louis  District  of  Missouri,  October,  1861.  Assumed 
command  of  the  Southwestern  District  of  Missouri  December  26th,  1861. 
Having  marched  from  Rolla,  Missouri,  to  Lebanon,  Missouri,  in  January, 
1862,  organized  "The  Army  of  the  Southwest,"  and  assumed  command  of 
it.  February,  1862.  Marched  from  Lebanon  to  Pierson's  Creek,  Missouri. 
In  command  at  the  skirmish  with  Price  at  Pierson's  Creek,  February  13th, 
1862.  Marched  into  Springfield,  Missouri,  after  its  evacuation  by  Price, 
February  14th,  1862.  In  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Southwest  on  the 
ensuing  march  in  pursuit  of  Price  from  Springfield,  Missouri,  to  Fayetteville 
and  Cross  Hollows,  Arkansas,  February,  1862.  Commanded  at  the  skirmish 
with  Price  at  Flat  Creek,  Missouri,  February  15th,  1862,  and  during  the 
skirmishing  in  Cross  Timber  Hollows,  Arkansas,  on  February  16th,  1862,  and 
at  the  engagement  at  Sugar  Creek,  Arkansas,  February  17th,  1862.  Occu- 
pied Cross  Hollows,  Arkansas,  February  22d,  1862.  Concentrated  the  army 
at  Pea  Ridge,  Arkansas,  March,  1862.  Commanded  at  the  battle  of  Pea 
Ridge  March  6th,  7th  and  8th,  1862.  Camped  at  Cross  Timber  Hollows, 
Arkansas,  March,  1862.  Promoted  Major-General  of  Volunteers,  March, 
1862.  Commanded  same  army  in  the  ensuing  march  through  Missouri  and 
Arkansas  to  Batesville,  Arkansas,  from  April  5th  to  May  3rd,  1862.  Com- 
manded at  Batesville  May  3rd,  1862.  Marched  to  Little  Red  River  and 
Searcy  Landing,  Arkansas,  back  to  Batesville,  and  thence  to  Jacksonport, 
Arkansas,  May  and  June  1862.  Commanded  on  march  through  Arkansas 
from  Jacksonport,  July  1st,  to  Clarendon,  Arkansas,  and  thence  to  Helena, 
Arkansas,  July  14th,  1862.  Commanded  at  Round  Hill,  Arkansas.  July  7th, 
1862.  Captured  and  occupied  Helena,  Arkansas,  July  14th,  1862.  Com- 


MAJOR-GENERAL    CURTIS.  341 

manded  United  States  forces  at  Helena,  Ark.,  and  vicinity  from  July  14th,  '62, 
to  August  29th.  1862.  On  leave  of  absence  from  August  29th,  1862,  to 
September  24th,  1862.  In  command  of  the  Department  of  the  Missouri 
from  September  24th,  1862,  to  May  24th,  1863,  when  being  relieved  from 
command,  remained  at  home  in  Iowa  until  January.  During  his  command 
of  Department  of  Missouri,  organized  the  Army  of  the  Frontier,  under 
General  Schofield,  and  afterwards  Generals  Blunt  and  Heron.  The  latter 
officers  won  the  battles  of  Cane  Hill,  Prairie  Grove  and  Van  Buren.  Sent 
troops  to  Grenada,  Mississippi,  also  drove  out  Shelby  and  Marmaduke, 
during  their  raids  in  South-East  Missouri.  In  command  of  Department  of 
Kaasas,  from  January  16th,  1864,  to  February  7th,  1865.  On  a  campaign 
against  hostile  Indians  in  Kansas  and  Nebraska,  July,  August  and  September, 
1864.  In  command  of  Kansas  troops,  volunteer  and  militia,  known  as  the 
"Army  of  the  Border,"  in  the  pursuit  of  Price  from  the  Missouri  to  the 
Arkansas  river,  on  the  Missouri  and  Arkansas  border,  October  and  November, 

1864.  Commanded  at  the  following  engagements  in  the  pursuit  of  Price 
along  the  border:    Little  Blue,  October  21st,  '64;   Big  Blue,  October  22d, 
'64;  Westport,  October  23rd,  '64;    Marias  des  Cygnes,  Mine  Creek,  Osage, 
and  Chariot,  October  25th,  '64;  Newtonia,  October  28th,  '64.     Terminated 
the  pursuit  of  Price  on  the  banks  of  the  Arkansas  River,  thirty  miles  west 
of  Fort  Smith,  November  8th,   1864,  and  returned  to  Fort  Leavenworth. 
Relieved  of  the  command  of  the  Department  of  Kansas,  February  7th,  1865. 
Assumed  command  of  the  Department  of  the  North- West,  February  16th, 

1865,  of  which  he  was  relieved  July  26th. 

No  officer  in  the  army  deserves  greater  credit  than  General  Curtis,  for  the 
uniform  success  and  devotion  he  has  won  and  shown.  No  citizen  deserves 
more  of  his  State  or  nation.  Always  faithful,  earnest,  judicious  and  ener- 
getic, the  future  will  recognize  him  as  one  of  the  most  sagacious  and  truest 
of  the  host  who  have  gained  immortal  renown.  General  Curtis  was  a  suc- 
cessful and  influential  politician,  with  admirable  abilities  for  the  post  he  held. 
Tie  went  into  the  war  because  the  services  of  men  with  military  education 
were  needed.  He  has  borne  misrepresentation  and  slander  without  a  mur- 
mur. The  victim  of  a  political  cabal,  while  commanding  in  Missouri,  he 
was  not  allowed  to  correct  all  wrong.  Conscious  of  his  own  integrity,  and 
certain  that  his  acts  would  judge  him  rightfully,  he  leaves  active  service 
with  the  flattering  certainty  of  Laving  done  his  whole  duty  in  the  nation's 
hour  of  trial.  Nor  has  he  escaped  affliction.  His  eldest  son,  Major  H.  Z. 
Curtis,  was  wounded  by  Quantrell's  butchers,  at  Baxter's  Springs,  October 
19th,  1863.  His  daughter  fell  a  victim  to  disease  and  exposure  in  the  hos- 
pitals at  Rolla,  Missouri,  in  early  Summer  of '  62. 


342  AEMY    OF   THE   BOEDER. 

General  Curtis  is  a  man  of  noble  presence.  In  stature  about  six  feet,  large 
aud  well  proportioned.  His  head  is  a  large  and  well  balanced  one;  brow 
high  and  well  developed;  eyes  that  are  dark,  thoughtful,  yet  full  of  fire, 
while  the  expression  of  his  countenance  is  that  of  a  grave,  dignified  man  of 
intellect.  A  thorough  gentleman,  always  mindful  of  the  courtesies  of  life, 
it  is  not  alone  as  a  public  man,  statesman,  and  soldier,  that  he  has  won  the 
regards  of  the  people.  A  warm  and  earnest  friend,  and  a  magnanimous, 
generous  foe,  General  Curtis  is  universally  respected  and  honored  by  all 
who  know  him. 


HON.  JAMES  H.  LANE, 

TTNITED   STATES   SENATOR  FROM  KANSAS. 

James  Henry  Lane,  was  born  in  Lawrenceburgh,  Indiana,  June  22d,  1814, 
and  is  now  51  years  of  age.  His  father,  Honorable  Amos  Lane,  was  one  of 
the  most  active  public  men  in  Indiana.  For  a  number  of  years  he  repre- 
sented the  Territory  and  State  in  Congress,  and  was  a  warm  partizan  and 
personal  friend  of  President  Jackson.  His  mother  was  a  superior  woman, 
possessed  of  high  moral  and  fine  intellectual  character.  She  was  a  poetess 
of  no  mean  order.  Her  memory  is  preserved  by  her  sons,  as  only  that  of  a 
good  mother  can  be. 

Senator  Lane  was  carefully  educated,  his  mother  intending  him  for  the 
ministry.  His  own  taste  turned  for  the  law,  for  which  he  qualified  himself, 
and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1840.  During  the  Mexican  war,  Lane 
entered  the  service,  enlisting  as  a  private,  in  May,  1846.  Immediately 
thereafter,  he  was  elected  Colonel  of  the  3rd  Indiana  Regiment,  known  as 
the  "Steadfasts."  In  this  capacity  he  served  with  distinguished  honor 
throughout  General  Taylor's  entire  campaign.  His  services,  and  that  of  his 
regiment,  at  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  have  become  matters  of  history. 
After  their  term  of  service  had  expired,  he  returned  with  it  in  June,  1847. 
The  5th  Regiment  was  immediately  organized  by  Colonel  Lane.  "With  it  he 
returned  to  Mexico,  and  remained  in  the  City  of  Mexico  till  peace  was 
declared.  On  his  return,  he  was,  in  1849,  elected  Lieutenant  Governor  of 
Indiana.  In  October,  1852,  elected  to  Congress  from  the  4th  Congressional 
District.  In  November  of  the  same  year,  was  chosen  Elector  for  the  State 
at  large  on  the  Democratic  ticket.  Mr.  Lane  followed  devotedly  in  his 
father's  footsteps  in  this  regard.  He  was  in  Congress  during  the  memorable 
contest  over  the  Douglas  Kansas- Nebraska  Bill,  to  which  he  was  not  at 
first  favorable.  Party  influences  succeeded  in  securing  his  vote  for  the 
repeal  of  the  Missouri  Compromise.  In  April,  1855,  Colonel  Lane  removed 
to  Lawrence,  Kansas,  settling  on  the  farm  where  he  now  lives.  In  a  short 


SENATOR    LANE.  343 

time  he  became  an  active  Free  State  man,  participating  largely  in  all  the 
movements  inaugurated  to  resist  the  pro-slavery  domination.  He  was  one 
of  the  prominent  leaders  in  inaugurating  what  is  now  known  as  the  Topeka 
Free  State  Government,  being  appointed  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, organized  at  the  Big  Springs  Convention,  of  which  body  he  was  the 
most  active  member.  Colonel  Lane  was  most  untiring  in  the  canvass,  and 
when  the  Topeka  Constitutional  Convention  assembled,  was  elected  President 
of  that  body. 

When  the  Missouri  Border  Ruffians  invaded  Kansas,  besieging  Lawrence, 
in  the  winter  of  '55-' 6,  Colonel  Lane  was  elected  commander  of  the  Free 
State  forces  organized  for  defence .  He  contributed  largely  to  that  sagacious 
activity  and  policy  which  resulted  in  the  departure  and  defeat  of  the  pro- 
slavery  forces,  and  yet  did  not  emb-oil  us  with  the  General  Government, 
then  on  the  pro-slavery  side.  In  March,  1856,  with  Governor  Reeder, 
General  Lane  was  elected  to  the  United  States  Senate,  and  sent  to  Wash- 
ington to  secure  the  admission  of  Kansas  as  a  free  State.  While  on  this 
mission,  intelligence  was  received  of  the  sacking  of  Lawrence,  May  21st, 
1856,  by  the  Missouri  Raiders,  under  Atchison  and  Stringfellow. 

Lane  at  once  threw  himself  into  the  work  of  defence,  and  aided  in  organ- 
izing that  large  Northern  emigration,  the  presence  and  active  aid  of  which, 
in  August  and  September  following,  secured  the  freedom  of  Kansas.  General 
Lane  marched  across  Iowa  with  a  number  of  companies,  consolidated  them 
in  Nebraska,  and  early  in  August  entered  Kansas.  Then  rapidly  followed, 
under  the  leadership  of  the  Senator  elect,  a  series  of  movements  which 
resulted  in  the  driving  out  of  the  Missouri  invaders.  His  career  then,  as 
afterwards,  is  the  history  of  Kansas.  In  1857,  General  Lane,  with  a  force, 
marched  to  the  assistance'  of  the  Free  State  men  of  Linn  and  Bourbon 
counties,  driving  out  and  subduing  the  remnants  of  Border  Ruffianism  which 
had  congregated  at  Fort  Scott.  During  the  same  year,  he  was  elected 
Delegate  to,  and  subsequently  President  of,  the  Constitutional  Convention, 
which  met  at  Leaven  worth.  In  1858,  the  terrible  misfortune  occurred 
which  resulted  in  the  death  of  Gains  Jenkins  at  the  hands  of  General  Lane. 
The  difficulty  grew  out  of  a  dispute  in  relation  to  the  claim,  on  which  the 
Lane  homestead  is  situated.  The  General  was  placed  on  his  preliminary 
trial,  and  released  on  the  ground  of  self-defence.  Efforts  were  made  to 
indict  him  before  the  Grand  Jury,  but  each  failed.  The  general  impression 
made  on  the  community  was  that  of  justifiable  homicide. 

Kansas  was  admitted  in  February,  1861,  and  shortly  after.  General  Lane 
was  elected  to  represent  the  State  in  the  United  States  Senate.  He  was  iu 
Washington  during  all  tlie  earliest  and  darkest  hours  before  the  gun  at 
Sumpter  aroused  the  people  to  arms.  As  commander  of  the  Frontier  Guard, 


344  ARMY    OF    THE    BORDER. 

General  Lane  did  good  service  in  guarding  the  President,  and  generally 
aiding  the  work  of  organization.  He  was  then,  as  afterwards,  till  his 
lamented  death,  the  confidential  and  trusted  friend  of  President  Lincoln. 
In  July  and  August,  1861,  he  raised  three  regiments  of  volunteers.  At  the 
same  time  he  was  commissioned  Brigadier- General,  but  did  not  muster  in. 
He,  however,  assumed  command  of  the  brigade,  and  until  November  fol- 
lowing, had  command  thereof  in  the  field.  Lane's  Brigade,  as  it  was  called, 
did  good  service,  defeating  the  rebels  in  several  well  contested  fights;  and 
by  its  activity  and  good  management,  protected  the  State  of  Kansas  from 
invasion.  In  1862,  General  Lane  was  confirmed  Brigadier- General  by  the 
Senate.  It  was  intended  that  he  should  have  command  of  an  expedition  in 
the  South-west,  but  owing  to  causes  not  necessary  to  name  here,  the  idea 
was  abandoned,  and  General  Lane  resumed  his  seat  in  the  Senate.  In  '63, 
he  was  appointed  by  Mr.  Stanton  a  Recruiting  Commissioner  for  the  Depart- 
ment of  Kansas,  and  under  this  authority  raised  five  regiments  of  infantry; 
one  of  them  being  the  famous  First  Kansas  Colored  Regiment,  now  numbered 
in  the  Corps  d'Afrique,  as  the  T6th.  This  was  the  first  regiment  actually 
raised  by  the  United  States  (the  two  regiments  of  Louisiana  Home  Guards, 
being  State  troops,  first  organized  by  the  rebels,  whose  services  were 
accepted  by  General  Butler).  It  fought  the  first  fight  under  the  flag,  at 
Island  Mound,  Bates  County,  Missouri,  October  26th,  1862. 

General  Lane  narrowly  escaped  from  the  Lawrence  massacre  in  August, 
1863.  He  was  the  leader  of  the  pursuit  which  followed  that  wholesale 
butchery,  and  advocated  measures  which  added  bitterness  to  the  quarrels 
that  in  Missouri  had  disrupted  the  Union  men.  He  remained  at  his  post,  in 
discharge  of  his  duties  as  Senator,  till  the  Fall  of '64,  when  the  advance  of 
General  Price,  and  the  events  which  the  preceding  pages  have  narrated, 
caused  him  to  take  the  field  again,  as  Volunteer  Aid-de-Camp  to  General 
Curtis.  In  this  capacity  he  served  most  gallantly,  participating  in  the  battles 
of  Lexington,  Little  and  Big  Blue,  Westport,  Marias  des  Cygnes,  Osage  and 
Chariot. 

In  the  Whiter  of  '64-'5,  General  Lane  was  re-elected  United  States 
Senator  for  the  term  commencing  the  4th  of  March,  1866. 

Such  is  a  brief  outline  of  the  career  of  General  James  H.  Lane.  He  has 
had  an  extraordinary  experience,  is  a  man  of  great  ability  and  possessed  of 
wonderful  energy,  endurance  and  versatility.  This  his  enemies  acknowledge. 
Opinions  differ  very  widely  as  to  his  character.  No  public  man  has  had 
warmer  partizans  or  bitterer  foes.  On  the  other  hand,  no  State  ever  had  a 
more  indefatigable  representative.  He  has  linked  his  name  to  its  history, 
and  so  interwoven  his  personal  success  into  its  interests,  that  the  name  of 
Kansas  naturally  calls  up  that  of  Senator  Lane. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL    M°NEIL.  345 

General  Lane  is  tall,  spare  and  sinewy.  His  frame  is  muscular  and 
nervous.  He  has  a  high,  long  head,  strong  features,  high  cheek  bones, 
square  chin,  firm,  hard-lined  mouth,  deep-set  eyes  of  grey  and  hazel  com- 
bined, they  are  full  of  magnetic  tire.  His  manner,  socially,  is  pleasant 
and  courteous.  As  a  stump  speaker — given  an  impassioned  theme — he  is 
unequalled  in  arousing  his  audience.  As  a  managing  politician,  judged  by 
success,  he  is  without  a  peer.  "Whatever  may  be  his  faults,  whatever  may 
be  said  of  his  personal  character,  the  struggle  for  freedom  has  had  in  him 
an  invaluable  ally,  and  the  ruder  contestants  in  that  important  strife,  an 
able,  vigilant  and  capable  leader. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  McNEIL, 

OF  MISSOURI. 

John  McNeil,  was  born  of  American  parents,  in  the  British  Provinces, 
and  is  now  about  45  years  of  age.  At  an  early  age  he  moved  to  Boston, 
where  he  learned  the  hatters  trade.  Shortly  afterwards  he  commenced 
and  failed  in  business  in  New  York  city.  Afterwards  moving  to  St.  Louis, 
he  entered  into  business.  He  was  very  successful,  continuing  therein  for 
twenty-five  years,  making  a  large  fortune,  a  large  portion  of  which  he 
lost  by  the  Southern  Rebellion.  In  politics  McNeil  always  was  a  strong 
Democrat.  The  rebel  leaders  counted  confidently  on  his  support.  But  his 
patriotism  was  stronger  than  his  partizanship,  and  when  the  lamented  Lyon 
took  command  in  St.  Louis,  McNeil  was  one  among  the  first  to  place  himself 
by  his  side.  On  the  8th  of  May,  McNeil  was  first  sworn  into  the  service. 
He  fought  Harris,  a  rebel  Brigadier,  at  Fulton,  routing  him  utterly.  He 
was  then  placed  by  General  Fremont  in  command  of  St.  Louis,  and  was 
afterwards  made  Provost-Marshal-General. 

He  was  commissioned  Colonel  of  the  19th  Missouri  Volunteers — known  as 
the  Lyon  Regiment — August  3rd.  For  this  position  he  was  selected  by 
General  Lyon  himself.  At  his  own  request  he  was  afterwards  transferred 
to  the  command  of  State  troops  and  placed  in  command  of  Western  Missouri, 
next  to  the  Kansas  line. 

In  the  Spring  of '62,  he  assumed  command  of  a  cavalry  regiment,  and  of 
the  District  of  North-East  Missouri,  containing  the  Hannibal  and  St.  Joseph 
Railroad,  a  most  important  line  of  communication.  The  position  was  a  very 
responsible  one.  the  district  being  very  disturbed  and  the  rebels  active.  A 
rising  took  place  in  July,  '62,  under  the  lead  of  Porter,  Cobb  and  Poindexter, 
•who  committed  many  gross  outrages.  Colonel  McNeil  moved  against  Porter, 
pursuing  and  fighting  him  until  August  6th,  when,  at  Kirksville,  Adair 

43 


346  ARMY    OF   THE    BOEDER. 

County,  he  defeated  the  rebels.  McNeil  had  1,034  men;  Porter  3,000. 
The  rebel  leader  had  a  narrow  escape  from  capture,  while  his  forces  were 
completely  routed.  Our  loss  was  five  killed,  thirty-five  wounded;  the 
enemy's  was  one  hundred  and  fifty  killed,  four  hundred  wounded,  and  forty- 
seven  prisoners.  Among  these  were  fifteen  who  had  been  previously 
paroled,  and  were  now  in  arms  in  violation  of  its  terms.  Acting  under  the 
recognized  laws  of  war,  and  by  authority  of  orders  from  General  Halleck, 
Colonel  McNeil  shot  these  fifteen  men.  For  his  success  in  the  defeat  of 
Porter,  Colonel  McNeil  was  made  Brigadier  in  the  State  troops.  At  this 
time  he  inaugurated  a  system  of  active  hostilities.  The  parole-breaker  and 
bushwhacker  met  no  mercy  at  his  hands.  He  now  established  his  camp 
in  Munroe  County.  This  was  the  worst  section  in  Northern  Missouri. 
Announcing  that  where  Union  men  could  not  live,  rebels  should  not,  General 
McNeil  proceeded  to  break  up  the  guerrilla  and  recruiting  camps.  On  the 
14th  of  September,  having  destroyed  the  last,  head-quarters  were  established 
at  Palmyra,  on  the  railroad,  west  of  Hannibal. 

Here  occurred  those  events  which  first  gave  General  McNeil  a  national 
reputation.  Andrew  Allsman,  an  old  and  respected  Union  citizen  of  the 
county,  was  taken  prisoner  from  his  home  by  the  guerrilla  Colonel  Porter. 
General  McNeil  was  appealed  to  by  Allsman1  s  friends.  Having  a  number  of 
prisoners,  among  whom  were  a  score  of  parole-breakers,  he  selected  ten  of 
the  worst,  and  notified  Porter,  that,  unless  Allsman  was  restored  to  his 
friends  by  noon,  October  18th,  these  ten  men  should  be  hung  in  retaliation. 
They  had  all  made  themselves  liable  to  this  fate  by  their  violation  of  the 
oath.  Allsman  was  not  returned  to  his  friends,  having  been  murdered.  At 
the  time  named,  the  ten  bushwhackers  were  hung. 

This  act,  the  first  distinct  carrying  out  of  a  retaliatory  policy  on  our  part, 
created  great  excitement  throughout  both  sections.  Rebel  sympathizers 
in  the  North  denounced  McNeil.  Abroad,  capital  was  eagerly  manufac- 
tured by  distorted  accounts.  Jefferson  Davis  demanded  the  surrender  of 
McNeil  as  a  murderer  and  violator  of  the  laws  of  war.  The  Government 
and  the  people  sustained  General  McNeil,  and  he  was  rewarded  by  a  com- 
mission as  Brigadier- General,  United  States  Volunteers. 

He  remained  in  command  of  North-East  Missouri,  when  having  effectually 
quieted  it,  he  was  relieved  and  put  in  command  of  South-East  Missouri.  He 
was  in  this  command,  when,  in  the  Spring  of '63,  Marmaduke  made  one  of 
his  most  famous  raids.  General  McNeil  was  besieged  in  Cape  Girardeau, 
which  he  gallantly  defended,  ultimately  driving  them  away.  In  July  of  the 
same  year,  he  was  transferred  to  the  command  of  South- West  Missouri.  In 
the  following  October,  he  was  President  of  a  Court-Martial  at  St.  Louis. 
Shelby  making  his  celebrated  raid,  General  McNeil  rapidly  concentrated 


BRIGADIER-GEJSTERAL    MCNEIL.  347 

troops,  joining  them  in  St.  Glair  County.  Instant  pursuit  was  made  and 
rapidly  followed  up.  Shelby  crossed  the  Osage  in  two  columns.  McNeil 
pursued  him  till  near  Huntsville,  Arkansas,  where  he  was  joined  by  Colonel 
Brooks.  He  could  not  bring  them  to  a  fight,  though  outnumbering  him  four 
to  one.  The  pursuit  was  continued  till  the  enemy  crossed  the  Arkansas. 
Their  last  gun  was  captured,  as  also  much  of  their  train,  and  many  prisoners. 
At  Clarksville,  Arkansas,  General  McNeil  received  orders  to  take  command 
at  Fort  Smith.  He  held  this  till  January,  '64. 

Early  in  the  Spring,  he  was  ordered  to  the  Department  of  the  Gulf.  He 
reported  to  General  Banks  at  the  close  of  the  disastrous  Red  River  Cam- 
paign, and  was  placed  in  command  of  the  District  of  Lafourche,  at  the  time 
New  Orleans  was  seriously  threatened  in  that  direction  by  General  Dick 
Taylor.  The  district  was  a  very  important  one,  requiring  great  vigilance  on 
the  part  of  commander  and  troops,  to  counteract  the  enemy's  plans.  He 
received  the  thanks  of  the  commanding  General,  and  at  his  own  request, 
was  placed  in  command  of  the  "Corps  d'Afrique,"  with  head-quarters  at 
Port  Hudson. 

In  August  he  was  ordered,  by  the  War  Department,  to  Missouri.  The 
change  was  made  by  request  of  loyal  Missourians.  There  he  was  placed  in 
command  of  the  District  of  Rolla.  He  was  at  this  post  when  Price  invaded 
Missouri.  What  he  did  therein,  forms  part  of  this  history. 

One  correction  is  necessary.  General  McNeil  was  court-martialed  under 
charges  made  by  General  Pleasanton.  When  the  prosecution  closed  their 
case,  General  McNeil  was  informed  that  he  need  not  call  any  witnesses,  as  the 
court  was  perfectly  satisfied.  Resting  on  this  assurance,  the  General  made 
no  defence,  when  he  could  most  completely  have  done  so.  The  surprise 
of  all  was  great  when  the  findings  of  the  court — three  months'  suspension 
of  rank  and  pay — was  announced.  The  case  was  referred  to  the  Judge- 
Advocate-General,  by  whom  the  finding  was  revoked,  and  General  McNeil 
was  restored  in  honor  to  his  rank  and  duty.  This  correction  is  necessary, 
as  on  page  177  it  is  stated  that  the  court  acquitted  him. 

After  this,  General  McNeil  was  placed  in  command  of  the  District  of 
Central  Missouri,  which  he  held  till  after  the  surrender  of  Lee  and  Johnston, 
when  he  resigned. 

He  is  now  in  St.  Louis,  engaged  as  actively  in  civil  life  as  he  has  been  in 
military. 

General  McNeil  is  a  man  of  five  feet  ten  inches,  deep-chested,  broad- 
shouldered,  capable  of  withstanding  great  fatigue;  martial  in  bearing,  he  is 
very  soldierly  in  appearance.  He  is  a  strict  disciplinarian,  and  vigorous 
fighter.  His  features  are  strongly  moulded,  nose  Roman,  forehead  broad 
and  compact,  brain  broad  at  the  base,  head  well  developed,  mouth  stem 


348  ARMY    OF   THE    BORDER. 

and  firm,  light  hair  and  beard,  sprinkled  with  grey,  and  flashing  blue-grey 
eyes.  Hia  speech  is  like  his  acts — curt,  brusque,  yet  weighty.  His  words 
are  indeed  bullets,  full  of  force. 


BATTLE  OF  THE  LITTLE  OSAGE. 

The  following  letter  of  Major  Hunt  will  be  found  of  interest  and  value. 
It  is  published  by  permission  of  Colonel  Benteen: 

OFFICE  CHIEF  OF  ARTILLERY,  DEPT.  OF  KANSAS,  ) 
Fort  Leavenworth,  January  9th,  1865.       ) 

Lieutenant-Colonel  T.  W.  BENTEEN,  10th  Cavalry,  Missouri  Vols. 

COLONEL, — In  compliance  with  your  request,  for  a  statement  of  the  facts 
of  that  charge  on  Mine  Creek,  October  25th,  1864,  as  to  what  brigade  led  it, 
made  the  attack,  broke  the  rebel  lines,  continued  the  pursuit,  &c.,  also  as 
to  whether  the  brigade  you  commanded  "  either  faltered  or  fell  back." 

I  take  great  pleasure  in  writing  to  you  the  following  account  of  what 
occurred  on  the  25th  October,  1864,  in  the  engagement  of  that  date, 
between  the  Union  forces  under  Generals  Curtis,  Pleasanton  and  Blunt, 
against  the  enemy,  so  far  as  came  under  my  observation.  It  would  be 
necessary,  for  an  intelligent  statement,  to  give  some  account  of  matters 
preliminary  to  the  charge  on  Mine  Creek,  to  which,  I  take  it,  your  letter 
asking  information  specially  refers. 

As  will  be  remembered,  on  the  evening  of  the  24th,  the  column  under 
General  Curtis  in  pursuit  of  Price  was  halted  at  West  Point,  Missouri,  eight 
miles  west  of  the  trading  post  situated  on  the  north  side  of  the  Marias  des 
Cygnes,  for  the  purpose  of  changing  the  order  of  march,  which  is  the  custom. 
General  Blunt  with  the  1st  Division  was  in  front,  General  Pleasanton  with 
his  division  of  cavalry  took  the  front  or  right  of  the  army;  General  Sanborn's 
Brigade  was  then  in  advance ;  three  companies  of  the  2d  Colorado  Cavalry, 
under  Captain  Kingsbury  (forming  the  advance  guard  of  General  Blunt's 
Division)  moved  on  towards  the  Trading  Post.  Having  no  knowledge  of 
the  change,  and  supposing  themselves  supported,  they  attacked  and  drove  in 
the  enemy's  pickets.  Captain  R.  J.  Hinton,  Aid-de-Camp  to  Major-General 
Blunt,  had  followed  this  battalion  during  the  delay  caused  by  the  change  of 
divisions.  Finding  that  Captain  Kingsbury  was  skirmishing  with  the  enemy, 
he  sent  back  word  to  General  Sanborn  and  General  Blunt  to  that  effect. 
General  Sanborn  on  reaching  Elder  Williams,  about  two  miles  from  the  Post, 
sent  Colonel  Gravelly  with  his  regiment  or  brigade  to  relieve  the  Colorado 
Cavalry.  He  himself  believing  the  enemy  strongly  posted  on  the  mounda 


BATTLE    OF   THE    LITTLE    OSAGE.  349 

flanking  the  road  through  the  timber  on  the  Marias  des  Cygnes,  withdrew  his 
own  lines  half  a  mile  north  of  where  Kingsbury  had  skirmished.  The  night 
was  dark,  and  General  Sanborn  pleaded  this,  and  the  want  of  topographical 
knowledge,  as  reasons  for  not  feeling  the  enemy  in  force,  and  ascertaining 
his  position  more  definitely.  This  is  the  statement  made  to  Major  "Weed, 
Major  McKenny,  Captain  Muker  and  myself,  when  by  order  of  General 
Curtis  we  were  sent  to  find  General  Sanborn.  A  report  was  duly  made  to 
General  Curtis,  who  immediately  sent  an  order  to  General  Sanborn  to  get  a 
battery  into  position,  shell  the  enemy,  and  under  cover  of  this  move  upon 
him.  General  Sauborn  complied  ;  the  other  officers  with  the  expedition  of 
Captain  Hinton  returned  to  head-quarters.  I  inviting  the  Captain  to  go 
along,  we  rode  to  our  advanced  line,  aroused  Captain  Kingsbury' s  battalion 
from  bivouac,  and  moved  towards  the  rebel  pickets  on  the  mound  east  of 
the  road.  Informing  Coloael  Gravelly  of  my  intention,  and  inviting  him  to 
accompany  us,  he  did  so,  and  by  the  aid  of  his  advance,  and  the  second 
Colorado,  during  the  storm  and  rain  the  enemy's  rear  guard  was  driven  and 
the  mound  carried.  The  hill  west  of  tho  road  was  also  carried  after  daylight, 
by  a  force  which  I  afterwards  learned  was  the  4th  Iowa  Cavalry,  part  of 
your  command.  The  movement  with  which  Captain  Hinton  and  myself 
were  associated  commenced  between  three  and  four  o'clock  a.m.,  was 
carried  out  by  my  direction,  acting  in  accordance  with  General  Curtis' 
wishes,  which  were  to  press  the  enemy  in  order  to  save  Southern  Kansas. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  particularize  the  incidents  which  followed  so  rapidly 
after  sunrise  of  the  25th.  It  is  however  necessary  to  state  that  when 
General  Sanborn' s  artillery  opened,  I  was  compelled  to  go  back  and  have  the 
position  of  the  guns  changed,  as  our  advance  was  in  more  danger  from  the 
shells  than  from  the  enemy.  After  the  hills  were  carried  and  as  the  enemy 
got  into  motion,  Generals  Sanborn  and  Pleasanton  rode  up  to  the  crest  of 
the  east  mound,  the  former  unattended  save  perhaps  by  some  orderlies. 
General  Sanborn  complained  of  having  no  staff  with  him  to  communicate 
his  orders.  Our  services  were  offered  to  General  Pleasanton,  who  requested 
us  to  report  to  General  Sanborn.  We  acted  as  Aids  in  the  skirmish  at  the  Ford 
and  in  the  bottom  beyond,  where  the  2d  Arkansas  Cavalry  (Colonel  Philips' 
and  Captain  Kingsbury's  Col.  Battalion)  charged  the  enemy's  guns  which 
were  shelling  our  advance.  They  were  routed  after  a  most  desperate  effort 
to  maintain  their  position.  It  was  at  this  time  I  knew  of  your  presence. 
Colonels  Philips'  and  Gravelly' s  brigades,  were  advancing  in  column  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy  whose  rear  had  rapidly  fallen  back  towards  Fort  Scott, 
which  it  was  evident  was  the  goal  of  Price's  efforts.  With  these  troops  I 
and  other  officers  of  General  Curtis'  staff  moved  for  about  three  miles  or 
more.  Amongst  these  officers  were  Colonel  S.  J.  Crawford,  2d  Colorado 


350  ARMY   OF   THE    BOEDER. 

"Volunteers,  Colonel  C.  W.  Blair,  14th  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  Major 
"Weed  of  General  Curtis1  and  Captain  Hinton  of  General  Blunt' s  staff,  whose 
division  was  in  the  rear.  Not  a  general  officer  nor  one  of  the  staff  officers 
other  than  those  named  were  with  these  advanced  brigades.  Both  Philips' 
aud  Gravelly' s  brigades  advanced  as  quick  as  possible,  and  in  good  order, 
until  within  one  thousand  yards  or  less  of  the  enemy,  who  had  massed  their 
best  troops — not  less  than  15.000  strong — from  four  to  six  lines  deep  in  our 
front,  north  of  Mine  Creek,  and  then  opened  upon  us  with  seven  or  eight 
guns,  when  they  checked  our  further  progress.  A  portion  of  our  centre 
seemed  to  waver  and  become  disorganized.  Our  artillery  was  in  the  rear. 
Colonel  Crawford  and  other  staff  officers  suggested  that  less  disaster  would 
occur  to  us  by  charging  than  by  receiving  the  enemy's  fire.  You  were 
coming  up  on  the  left  of  our  line  and  facing  the  enemy's  right.  I  rode 
towards  you,  and  in  the  name  of  General  Curtis  ordered  you  to  form  and 
charge  the  enemy  ;  this  you  promptly  responded  to,  and  though  your  brigade 
was  the  last  of  the  three,  it  was  the  first  to  charge,  the  other  brigades  follow- 
ing in  the  right,  breaking  their  lines  completely,  and  pursuing  them  energet- 
ically across  the  creek.  Your  command  neither  faltered  nor  fell  back,  aud 
only  gave  up  pursuit  when  an  order  from  General  Pleasanton,  directing  a  halt, 
was  received,  which  order  did  not  arrive  until  after  our  guns  had  shelled 
your  troops.  There  was  difficulty  in  getting  some  of  the  Missouri  State  Militia 
to  charge,  as  they  were  exposed  to  a  terrible  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery, 
and  it  is  my  conviction  had  it  not  been  for  the  presence  of  your  veteran 
troops,  and  their  cheers,  which  inspired  the  whole  line,  that  we  would  at 
last  have  received  a  temporary  check,  whereas  a  brilliant  and  glorious 
victory  was  achieved.  I  do  not  say  this  in  disparagement  of  Missouri  troops 
(under  other  officers)  who  deserve  great  credit — whose  courage  and  bravery 
cannot  be  doubted,  especially  those  under  Gravelly,  who  signally  proved 
their  heroism  in  the  night  attack  on  the  mound.  The  battle  at  Mine  Creek 
was  participated  in  by  an  addition  to  your  own  and  other  brigades — the 
battalion  of  Colorado  Volunteers,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  men  of  Major 
Hopkins'  2d  Kansas  Cavalry,  Captain  Gove  of  the  llth  Kansas  Volunteer 
Cavalry,  which  were  sent  to  the  front  by  General  Curtis  immediately  after 
the  engagement  near  the  Trading  Post,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Cloud, 
2d  Kansas  Volunteer  Cavalry,  and  Aid-de-Camp.  The  charge  of  Mine  Creek 
was  directed  by  Major- General  Curtis  through  his  staff  officers,  Colonels 
Crawford,  Blair,  Cloud,  Volunteer  Aid-de-Camp,  Major  Weed  and  Captain 
Hinton,  Aid-dc-Camp  of  General  Blunt's  staff,  who  charged  with  the  extreme 
left  of  your  brigade  through  the  corn  field,  and  endeavored  to  attack  the 
enemy  as  he  was  emerging  in  disorder  from  the  timber  south  of  the  corn 
field,  which  effort  was  defeated  by  the  shell  from  our  own  guns.  These 


BATTLE    OT   THE   LITTLE    OSAGE.  351 

officers  personally  assisted  in  executing  the  orders  they  gave.  Neither  Gen- 
eral Pleasanton  nor  General  Sanborn,  nor  were  any  of  the  proper  staff  there 
until  after  the  gallant  charge,  and  the  successful  breaking  of  the  enemy's 
lines.  In  the  subsequent  operations  of  that  day,  so  far  as  your  brigade  came 
under  my  observation,  it  was  always  with  or  in  the  advance,  and  doing  as 
good  work  as  in  the  morning.  When,  owing  to  General  Pleasanton  aban- 
doning the  pursuit — during  the  engagement  at  Chariot — General  Curtis  with 
a  portion  of  his  staff  moved  to  Fort  Scott,  whither  Sanborn,  Philips  and 
McFerren  were  marching  by  General  Pleasanton's  order,  owing  to  which 
General  McNeil  was  left  alone  to  cope  with  the  enemy,  General  Blunt1  a 
division  having  been  unavoidably  thrown  to  the  rear,  so  far  as  to  render  it 
unavailable  at  the  time,  your  command  moved  to  General  McNeil's  assist- 
ance, and  until  after  dark  with  him  you  fought  the  enemy.  Here  again  it  is 
stated  by  Colonel  Crawford  and  Major  McKenny,  Inspector-General  and 
Aici-de-Camp  of  General  Curtis'  staff,  and  Captain  Hinton,  who  were  at  the 
front  with  General  McNeil's  brigade,  that  your  command  rendered  essential 
service  in  checking  the  flanking  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  jointly  advanc- 
ing against  their  entire  army.  Throughout  the  remainder  of  the  pursuit  I 
can  say  that  your  command,  officers  and  men  alike,  showed  the  same  energy, 
courage,  demotion  and  judgment  which  marked  its  conduct  during  October 
25th.  In  saying  what  I  have,  I  do  not  mean  to  cast  any  reflections  upon  the 
courage  of  any  portion  of  the  Missouri  State  Militia,  or  to  criticise  the  action 
of  any  of  its  officers  ;  on  the  contrary,  they  deserve  the  plaudits  of  their 
country. 

The  people  of  Kansas,  soldiers  and  citizens  alike,  owe  and  acknowledge 
the  gratitude  due  them,  which  will  not  be  forgotten  ;  but  in  compliance  with 
your  wish,  I  cannot  refuse  to  state  what  I  know  as  to  the  conduct  of  your 
brigade.  I  have  sought  to  do  this  moderately  and  correctly,  and  believing 
the  foregoing  is  the  exact  trnth,  as  what  transpired  and  came  under  my 
observation,  you  are  at  liberty  to  use  this  as  you  desire. 

Regretting  most  sincerely  the  unfortunate  and  unprofitable  controversy 
which  I  fear  will  yet  sully  the  fair  fame  and  good  repute  won  so  hardly,  and 
to  be  borne  so  proudly,  by  all  who  participated  in  the  memorable  campaign 
of  the  Army  of  the  Border, 

I  am,  much  respected  sir,  yours, 

(Signed)  R.  H.  HUXT. 

Major  15th  K.  V.  C.,  and  Chief  of  Artillery,  Dept.  of  Kansas. 


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